The first American world champion woman kayaker Rebecca Giddens participated in Saturday’s Jiffy Slalom at Island Park in Bryson City. Giddens, originally from Wisconsin, lived in Atlanta for five-and-a-half years and trained in the area before moving to San Diego, Calif. Her husband Eric Gidden’s family lives in Atlanta and the couple came to visit during the holidays. Giddens spoke briefly with the Smoky Mountain News after her race Saturday.

SMN: How does it feel to be world champion?

Giddens: It’s a great feeling, to set your mind on a goal and accomplish it.

SMN: When did you feel you might be in the hunt for a world title?

Giddens: I did well in the World Cups. I won the last World Cup and felt like I was strong and racing well.

SMN: What brings you to the Jiffy Slalom?

Giddens: I used to come up here and train. My husband and I were visiting his family in Atlanta and I thought it would be a good training race. I used to train on the Tuck and Nantahala here and the Chattahoochee in Georgia. I like the diversity of paddling different courses. It helps you learn to read the water and pick up gates. The Nantahala and Tuckasegee don’t have a lot of big water but they are great places to work on technique.

SMN: How was your race today?

Giddens: Oh, it was fine. This was my first event, or full length race, since the world championship and it felt pretty good.

SMN: What are some of the keys to your success?

Giddens: Well I have great coaches plus I train a lot with my husband Eric (Eric Giddens was a 1996 Olympian and is one of the top-ranked paddlers in the U.S.). He has great technique and is very supportive. I also work very hard on the mental aspect. I expect to be around awhile. Kayaking is not like tennis, where the youngsters rule. Experience and mental toughness can give you and edge. If you work hard on a lot of different courses you can continue to improve.

SMN: How do you feel about defending your title as world champion?

Giddens: I’m OK with that position. I focus on my abilities and my training. I know that as long as I stay centered and focused and train hard I will do well.