Helen ‘Jaco’ Jacobsohn

Canoeing

Helen competed and regularly placed first in the Australian Championships for the LK1 and LK2 classes between 1964 and 1968.

She was selected for the 1968 Olympic Team to go to Mexico City. Helen was the only women nominated for canoeing however the Olympic Federation chose to send only a men's team.

Between 1969 and 1971 Helen lived in Malaysia during which time she had two sons.

In 1974 she returned to the Australian canoeing scene with a second placing in the Australian Championships.

In 1976 she was selected for the Olympic Team to Montreal along with Sue Whitebrook in the LK2 500m.

In 1987 Helen was awarded the title of 'NSW Veteran Sportswoman of the Year'.

Helen has competed in a number of Canoe Marathons as well as beginning the first competitive women's dragon boat team in NSW based at Manly Warringah Kayak Club in 1988.