AN ISLE of Wight-born woman has won a silver medal representing the United States at the IVF World Long Distance Outrigger Championships in Samoa.

Nikki Ridley-Miles, a former Freshwater and Shanklin resident brought up on the Island, came a superb second in the fast-growing sport of outrigger canoe racing.

Her late mother, Shirley Miles, played a key role in establishing Freshwater's famous indoor pool at the West Wight Sports and Community Centre.

Living in Southern California since the mid-80s, Nikki only took up the sport of outrigger canoe racing six years ago after she joined her local club in Dana Point.

Based on some eye-catching performances, Nikki was selected to represent the United States at the championships, organised by The Samoa Outrigger Canoe Association, and held in Apia City, the capital city of the South Pacific island nation.

Outrigger canoe racing is a sport that has grown rapidly, with its popularity stretching to well beyond the Pacific Islands, into Florida, Bermuda, the Caribbean and much of Southern California.

Nikki, 43, is no stranger to competitive water sports, having represented the Isle of Wight in many national swimming competitions during her youth. 

She admits to have been bitten by the bug of outrigger canoe racing quite late in life, but describes herself as always having been very competitive.

"Although I do seem to have taken to it quite naturally, am shocked and surprised, but very proud, to have the opportunity to represent my adopted country in my chosen sport," said Nikki.

"Outrigging is a tough sport, covering some long distances and is a real test of both team work and endurance."

The six-strong USA crew competed in three preliminary races and a semi-final, before qualifying for the final race, with each event raced over 20 nautical miles.