
“Before 2012 I didn’t know much about slalom,” he said. “I came along to the Olympics, a huge event on my doorstep. I was here when the C2 won gold and silver, it was amazing. That day had a real impact on me and my love for the sport. Soon after I joined a club here and from there gradually worked my way up. Now this, to be on the podium myself winning a medal, it’s a dream come true.”

Paddles and medals: Canoe Slalom World Championships – photo essay
More than 300 of the world’s top canoeists and kayakers from five continents headed to Lee Valley, on the outskirts of north London, to compete on the white water rapids