Olympic hopes of Nigeria canoeist Johny Akinyemi

Born and raised in England, Johny Akinyemi gave up his place at the top of the British canoe rankings to compete for Nigeria, his father's home country.

Currently pan-African champion, he stands in good stead to represent Nigeria at the upcoming world championships and, if he gets through the qualifying heats, the London Olympics.

With a year to go until London hosts the games, the BBC's Jeremy Walker accompanied Akinyemi on his first attempt to take on the rapids at the Lee Valley White Water Centre, which will host the canoe slalom competition during the 2012 Olympics.