Paul paddles towards Olympic gold

But even then they could have been washed overboard - if the family had owned a plug-in air pump.

Now Paul is pumping away at the weights in Atlanta, Georgia, as he prepares for the Olympic Centenary Games.

And gold for Britain's No 1 canoeist is a very real possibility.

"His most recent performances suggest that, if everything goes right, he has a great chance of a good result," beamed proud dad Bob, of Squires Lane, Tyldesley.

Paul, 22, was in breathtaking form as he won the British Olympic trial to win his place on the team heading for America this summer.

The trek toward Atlanta '96 began 14 years ago when parents Bob and Kath were once again setting about the tiresome task of inflating a rubber dinghy during a family visit to Lake Coniston.

By chance they spied a lad in a miniature canoe. Bob recollected: "I was getting fed up of having to blow up the dinghy.

"I suggested it might be a good idea to get something similar for Paul and his younger brother, Mark."

After visiting the manufacturer in Wrexham they stopped-off at Lake Bala. There the Ratcliffe youngsters watched their first canoe event - the 1981 world championships where Briton Richard Fox was in unbeatable form.

Bob remembers that day well: "The lads got his autograph," he said. "It's amazing how things turned out. Now Paul is No 1.

"It has meant an incredible amount of effort and dedication but it has all proved worthwhile. We're all delighted and hope he does well."

Paul, is currently in Atlanta getting plenty of experience on the river where the canoe events will be staged.

Sports Aid and Winston Churchill Foundation grants have helped his worldwide preparation.

But, having skint himself in the quest for British glory, student Paul is desperate to find a major backer.

"We've tried everywhere," said Bob, who is baffled by the lack of response.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.