Paracanoe Team Named For World Championships

Paralympic bronze medallist Ian Marsden will compete in his sixth Paracanoe World Championships after being selected in the 11-strong Great Britain squad ahead of next month’s competition.

Last weekend’s National Regatta saw an incredible five course records fall at the National Water Sports Centre in Nottingham, as athletes secured their spots in the team for the World Championships in Montenor O Velho, Portugal.

Two-time KL2 European silver medallist Charlotte Henshaw, who has two Paralympic medals in swimming, and Grand Slam holder Emma Wiggs both set course records en route to selection.

Henshaw took records in the KL2 and VL3W while European champion Wiggs stopped the clock at 59.69 seconds to smash the record in the VL2W.

Paracanoe head coach Scott Simon said: “This is a really strong team, with a real mix of senior and established Paralympians with some young fresh talent coming through and it’s fantastic to see that we are creating strength and depth within the programme.

“We’re really pleased with how the guys have worked and the effort and professionalism which has led to those performances, not just those who have made the team but from everyone involved in this process which led to some really competitive racing.

Elsewhere, Dave Phillipson will make his World Championships debut after dominating the men’s VL3 at the National Regatta.

The 29-year-old claimed a new course record of 50.69, winning two from two ahead of Jack Eyers who clinched successive second places and his seat on the plane to Portugal.

Phillipson will also take up a spot in the kayak after finishing second in the men’s KL2 behind Paralympic bronze medallist Nick Beighton.

Beighton was in unbeatable form in Nottingham as he took two wins from two, taking the course record down to 44.31 in the process.

KL1 Grand Slam holder Jeanette Chippington will be looking to defend her European title and will also join compatriot Wiggs in the VL2.

Paralympian Rob Oliver was first past the post in the KL3, ahead of Jonny Young, with both paddlers doing enough to secure their place in the team.

With Paralympic gold medallist Anne Dickins retiring after Rio 2016, newcomers Chelsey Dixon and Keira Nash are selected in the women’s KL3.

The team representing Great Britain will be:

KL1 Ian Marsden

KL1 Jeanette Chippington

KL2 Nick Beighton & Dave Phillipson

KL2 Charlotte Henshaw

KL3 Rob Oliver & Jonny Young

KL3 Chelsey Dixon & Keira Nash

VL3 Dave Phillipson & Jack Eyers

VL2 Emma Wiggs & Jeanette Chippington

VL3 Charlotte Henshaw