TWO York canoeists are riding on the crest of a wave after taking an unprecedented national double.

Alan Cardy paddled his way to the top domestic honour for white water kayakers, while 17-year-old Joe Stephenson beat off the competition to claim the top division one spot - and earn a place competing on the same circuit as his York team-mate next season.

But the achievement is made all the more incredible by the fact that less than two years ago, Cardy was knocked sideways by an illness that some feared could spell the end of his promising career.

"This season has been fabulous really," said the 25-year-old. "I have had an up-and-down few years so to come back and win it has just been a really good season."

Cardy's season started on a high after earning his first selection for the senior world cup in Great Britain colours, where he made the semi-finals despite a rib injury.

And that good start showed no signs of splashing down on his return.

One win, two thirds and two fourths - from a field of more than 80 - proved more than enough to claim the title and tell the world he was most definitely back.

He said: "When I finished university I was doing 17 sessions a week and putting everything into it. I got ill but I just ignored it and carried on and I ended up getting so ill I had to take 15 months out of the boat. It was 19 months before I raced again.

"Since then my perspective has changed and I don't feel the pressure any more.

"I spent nine months doing nothing and the Great Britain team doctor was brilliant but he had said there was a possibility that I wouldn't get back.

"There were times that I thought I wouldn't, but I think it was more the other people around me who were worried about it. And that just made me more determined to get back and prove them all wrong."

Cardy works full time at his family-run chocolate business in the Shambles but still beat off nine full-time professionals, some of whom are benefitting from the funding he lost following his illness.

He said: "The top ten are all full-time professionals apart from me. But I would rather be working. I like to be able to have something more than training to think about.

"Financially, it's hard going being a full time athlete so it's easier for me to work."

Lower Wharfe Canoe Club team-mate Stephenson will be hot on his heels in the coming season after winning promotion to the big league despite only being a junior.

Stephenson, who pocketed £1,500 in funding from the World Class scheme to help his travel bills, said: "The biggest thing I will have to contend with next season will be the step up in training.

"My next big goal is to get selected for the under-23 Great Britain team in two years time. I have already competed for the England junior team and in March I am hoping to win selection for the junior world championships in Krakow, Poland, next July."

Cardy's aim for the new season is just as simple - world championships or bust.

He said: "If I don't make the senior team then it will be a bit of wasted season for me. I will certainly train hard to get into the top three to go to the world championships in Australia in September. It's all or nothing really.

"I'm probably going to go part-time after Christmas so I can get maximum training in."

Updated: 10:16 Saturday, November 13, 2004