Burgess training on the water in Tokyo (Picture: Reuters) Every journey begins with a small step, or in Adam Burgess s case, a big soaking. Burgess was just ten when introduced to canoe slalom at Stafford and Stone Canoe Club, admitting he spent as much time in the water as on it. This volunteer club, which is one of many to have benefitted from National Lottery funding to grassroots sport, on the banks of the River Trent has become something of a breeding ground for talent, producing ten Olympians since 1972. And five years ago, Joe Clarke became their greatest graduate when striking gold in Rio.