​​​​​​​Luuka Jones is one of New Zealand’s most accomplished and enduring high-performance athletes, competing at the very top of international canoe slalom for more than 15 years.

Hailing from Tauranga, Luuka made history as New Zealand’s first female canoe slalom Olympian at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, where she finished 21st. That debut experience proved formative, igniting a drive to improve and compete with the world’s best.

She went on to represent New Zealand at four further Olympic Games — London 2012, Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and Paris 2024 Olympic Games — becoming a five-time Olympian and one of the most consistent performers in the sport globally.

Luuka’s defining Olympic moment came at Rio 2016, where she delivered a stunning performance to win silver in the K1 event. Qualifying seventh for the final, she produced an exceptional run down the 24-gate, 242-metre course, stopping the clock at 101.28 seconds. The medal was New Zealand’s first ever Olympic medal in canoe slalom, a landmark achievement for the sport.

At Tokyo 2020, Luuka showcased her versatility by competing in both kayak and canoe disciplines, finishing 6th in K1 and 13th in C1. At Paris 2024, she once again demonstrated her resilience and class, placing 8th in K1 and an impressive 5th in Kayak Cross, underlining her ability to adapt and perform across evolving Olympic formats.

A mainstay of the European canoe slalom circuit, Luuka has spent many years training and racing alongside the world’s best athletes, continually refining her craft. In early 2022, her career faced a major challenge when she was diagnosed with long Covid, forcing her to step away from training and competition for much of the year. Her return in 2023 was nothing short of remarkable, highlighted by a victory in the women’s Kayak Cross final at the Paris Canoe Slalom World Cup.

Away from competition, Luuka has a deep love for the outdoors and water-based sports, reflecting the passion and balance that have underpinned her longevity and success. She remains a leader within the New Zealand team and an inspiration to athletes across generations.