Name: James Russell

Nickname: Jimbo

Born: 04/11/1997

Joined Club: September 2017

Favourite Training Partner: Charlie / anyone willing to train early mornings before work

Top Kayaking/Canoeing Moment: Ribadesella 2022 – 8th place. Easily the most fun I’ve had in a kayak race.

Proudest Kayaking/Canoeing Moment:  Finishing 5th at 2022 World marathon championships in Men’s short course.

Favourite Race Venue: 2019 World marathon championships course in China, lots of obstacles to spice up the racing.

Day Job: Coaching advisor at British Canoeing.

Where you can find me when not on the water: In the kitchen cooking, I love making all sorts of dinners and desserts. Although the best bit is definitely eating them.

James has continued to build on the success of the 2021 season. He started the year with a 4th at the ICF recognised Waterlands marathon against a strong international field. After a good first round of selection races, James was selected to compete at marathon kayaking’s first appearance at the World Games, achieving a top 10 finish in both events. James then had a quick turnaround to the European championships where he improved on last year’s results with two 6th places in K1 short course and K2 long course with Charlie Smith.

This put James in good shape for the World Championships where he was aiming for another top 10 finish in the K1 and an improvement on their result at Euros in the K2. These results will shape the goals for 2023, but the main aim will be to push further up the results and hopefully into the medals.