The twins: Pavol and Peter Hochschorner, C2 Slalom

The well known Hochschorner twins from Slovakia (Photo credit: ICF)Photo Gallery>>Anyone who has been a fan of Slalom racing these past eight years has heard of the Hochschorner twins from Slovakia. After switching from Flatwater racing in 1996 and winning the C2 Slalom competition at the Sydney Olympics, they have dominated the discipline, winning Championships and Cups aplenty. They are a highly motivated team, working harmoniously and clearly complimenting each other's strengths and weaknesses. The twins have seamlessly strived to accomplish many things in the Slalom arena, their performances on the slalom course being almost historic. There seems to be an invisible link working between them, allowing the twins to read the actions and decisions of each other in a split second as they navigate the slalom course; compensating, correcting and powering them towards yet another victory.

Peter and Pavol come from a family that is heavily involved in Canoeing. Their mother and father have both represented Czechoslovakia in slalom and their sister represented Slovakia in flatwater canoeing. The twin's origins were in flatwater racing, but both found it not to their liking or the skills that they had as canoeists. They decided to change disciplines for the faster and thrilling Slalom C2 class. Even in the light of Olympic glory, the twins know that it is in their family that their strength and support comes from and not just in each other. Pavol and Peter are coached by their father, Peter Hochschorner senior and their sister, Eva, are responsible for organizing anything that the twins need related to the sport. Their mother is also a coach, spending her time training the next generation of slalom athletes. With the entire family heavily involved in the sport, there's a great deal of motivation and expectation. The support structure is deeply rooted in the family tree, providing them with everything they need to accomplish their future goals. Their next goal is to become the first crew to win three Olympic Gold medals in a row in the C2 Slalom event.

The twins have more than just the inner connection granted to them, they also compliment each other physically. Pavol is smaller but impulsive, perfect for a front paddler in C2. Peter is quieter, 10cm taller and calm, providing the balance within the boat. A perfect combination of power, passion and control and the ability to implement all of these qualities is the ideal tool to help them conquer the slalom course.

Pavol and Peter don't just look out for their own achievements they invest heavily in the future as well. Slalom canoeing is an incredibly popular sport in Slovakia, and the performances of the Hochschorner brothers are a proud endorsement of this growing exciting sport. Both of them graduated at the highest level as Coaches of Canoeing at Comenius University in Bratislava, showing their commitment to teaching younger generations and spreading the popularity of the sport. They realise that their sport will eventually lie in the hands of the next generation and that it's their place to guide the passions of others with the same desires as themselves.

The Olympics this year will come with many obstacles for Pavol and Peter with strong teams put forward by many countries. These crews will have Olympic glory in their minds and the determination to do their best. With their strong family support and a nation passionate in their sport behind them they will have no end of motivation. With their deep connection as twins as their trump card to compliment their considerable ability, the chance of taking that third elusive Gold medal in Beijing is a good possibility. All that remains is for them to safely navigate through the rough waters and make it through to the end.

(Credit: ICF. Click here for further information.)