Dorian Taylor, member of the Cascade Canoe and Kayak Racing Team based in Bothell, placed second in the U.S. paracanoe team trials, held at Olympic Park in Gainesville, GA. Taylor’s performance earned her a position on the US Team to race in the Paracanoe World Championships in Duisburg, Germany May 17–19.

In a tight race, Taylor came out of the start slightly behind the leaders, but steadily closed the gap. She held off a late challenge from a racer to her right, to finish fourth overall and second in her category of KL2 – Kayak, level of ability two on a scale of one-to-three.

Taylor, who is within her first year of developing her training regimen, sees a great upside to her performance. In Duisburg, she expects to gain experience and enter into the international competitive level.

“While Dorian is a ways away from being at the level where she could qualify for the Rio Paralympics in September, we are seriously looking at Tokyo and the podium there,” said coach Dan Henderson. “I’m very grateful for all those who helped me. I’m really happy with my race and proud of what I’ve accomplished.”

Taylor set a personal best time of 1:09.214.

The Bothell Cascade Canoe and Kayak Racing Team offers training and racing programs in youth, adult, and paracanoe from beginner to world-level competition. Located at the Blue Heron Landing Marina, beginner classes start May through September, and last four weeks – after school in May, June, and September and mornings in July.

For more information on the team, visit www.cckrt.org or call 425-430-0111.