Local kayaker Lisa Carrington has won double gold at the canoe racing world championships in Italy. Carrington defended her world title in the WK1 200m event in Milan and also won gold in the WK1 500m event.

It was the first time she has won gold in the 500m title, after silver and bronze in previous years, and was the fourth consecutive 200m crown for Carrington - who also won gold in that class at the 2012 London Olympics.

Lisa is now a favourite to claim two gold medals at the Rio Olympics next year. "It's all about keeping the challenge and trying to get better and better every year and every day,” said the 26-year-old.

Mark Weatherall, Canoe Racing NZ boss, had nothing but praise for Carrington. “Lisa truly is worth her weight in gold, not just for the glittering titles she brings back to our shores but also the role modelling she provides.”

Lisa was raised in Ohope Beach and attended Whakatane High School. Lisa is of Te Aitanga-a-Mahaki and Ngati Porou descent and in 2012 was awarded New Zealand's Maori Sportsperson of the year and senior Maori sportswoman of the year. Carrington was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2013 New Year's Honours for her services to kayaking.

Sources: Rotorua Daily Post, Stuff, Wikipedia