Three members of Stafford and Stone Canoe Club at Westbridge Park have taken a big step towards competing in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games by being selected for Team GB’s 2015 Elite Rio squad.
Joe Clarke, Lizzie Neave and Mark Proctor have been recognised among the top 10 paddlers in the country to make the Rio squad.
The journey to Rio 2016 picks up speed next year, with the World Championships providing the opportunity to qualify boats in each of the four Olympic classes. For British paddlers, 2015 offers the added bonus of a home World Championships at Lee Valley White Water Centre in Hertfordshire and a chance for the sport and spectators alike to relive the heady excitement of the 2012 Olympic Games, where Lizzie Neave made the final of her event.
British Canoeing head coach Paul Ratcliffe said: “Over the past year we have worked very hard as a programme, structuring both centres to develop our exciting young talent from grass roots up, whilst positioning Lee Valley as the new home of British Canoe Slalom. We now approach 2015 with all the senior athletes based at Lee Valley, ready to focus in on the exciting opportunity of our home Worlds which is a vital part of Olympic qualification.
“The programme is tailored to each individual’s needs building on their strengths, whilst still recognising the importance of the team dynamic within our sport. London 2012 gave us huge confidence and belief in what we are doing and I know that this talented group of athletes have the ability to deliver for Team GB in the future.”
A further five Stafford and Stone club members – Jasmine Royle, Adam Burgess, Tom Brady, Mikey Wilson and Gregg Pitt – are also set to benefit from UK Sport Podium and Podium Potential funding next year, highlighting them as potential stars of the future.
- Joe Clarke
- lizzie neave
- London 2012
- Mark Proctor
- Rio 2016
- Stafford and Stone Canoe Club
- Stone
- Westbridge Park
