Susan Seipel hasn’t competed internationally for nearly two years but she hasn’t let that hamper her golden goal

Three-time world champion Susan Seipel has eyes only for gold in Tokyo after the inclusion of her pet event to the Paralympics schedule.

Australia’s first-ever para-canoe medallist has plans to triple her Paralympics medal tally when she tackles the VL2 and KL2 disciplines in Tokyo next month.

Tallai’s Susan Seipel made history in Rio when she claimed bronze in the KL2, before fellow Gold Coaster Curtis McGrath went on to win gold in the men’s KL2.

The pair will combine once more in Tokyo with gold again on offer and for Seipel in particular, the inclusion of VL2 to the Paralympics schedule is cause for celebration.

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - SEPTEMBER 15: Susan Seipel of Australia poses on the medals podium after finishing third in the women's KL2 final at Lagoa Stadium during day 8 of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on September 15, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

The 35-year-old is a three-time world champion in the canoe outrigger discipline, which was left off the Rio schedule in the sport’s Paralympics debut but returns in time for Seipel to chase a coveted gold medal.

“I think everyone in the race wants gold, don’t they? It’s why we race,” she said.

“I would be very happy with gold – two gold would be ideal.”

Seipel claimed gold at the 2015, 2016 and 2017 world championships and silver in 2019.

Due to Covid-19, she hasn’t competed on the international stage in almost two years.

“There’s a lot of unknowns as to how the other countries and athletes have been affected in the lead-up (to Tokyo),” Seipel said.

“It’s hard to know the form of all the athletes.

“I guess it’s a little more stressful because we haven’t had the international competitions that some other countries have had, so I guess it’s probably a disadvantage (for me) as I haven’t been able to compete on the world stage.”

Australia's Susan Seipel paddles during the final of the women's canoe sprint (KL2) of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games at Lagoa Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on September 15, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / YASUYOSHI CHIBA

But for the Ipswich-born athlete just getting to compete again is her number one priority.

“It definitely hasn’t been detrimental to have the extra year (to train),” Seipel said.

“It’s been a long time between races, and something I really love about the sport is the racing and the travelling.

“I’m just really grateful the Games are going ahead and I hope Australia can get behind us like they did the Olympians and just enjoy the show.”

Seipel and the four-strong para-canoe team flies out on August 27.

Competition runs from September 2-4.