Britain continues to be a strong presence at the Masters Canoe Marathon World Championships
The Masters team once again fielded strength with entries in many of the categories at the 2025 edition of the Canoe Marathon World Championships. Twenty seven paddlers took to the water to chase their goals and wherever possible bring home medals. Although the level of competition is clearly rising year on year, we were pleased to see our Masters deliver two golds and two silvers.
We applaud Brian Greenham (Reading Canoe Club) adding to his collection of golds in the over 75 men K1 and Gilbert Speirs (Linlithgow Kayak Club) topping his over 70 men K1 class to clinch the triple of National, European and World Championships titles!
Melvin Swallow (Chester Canoe Club) delivered a strong silver in over 70 men K1 and Sarah Swallow (Chester Canoe Club) teamed up with him in over 65 Mixed K2 for a 6th place.
Jane Millar (Nottingham Kayak Club) added a silver to her collection in over 65 women K2 (with Mary Parry formerly of Maidstone Canoe Club and now paddling for Spain) during a busy two days competing in K1, K2 and over 65 mixed K2 (with Bryn Price from Maidstone Canoe Club). In other mixed K2 races, Emma Watts (Wey Kayak Club) and Gina Moullec (Gloucester Canoe Club) fitted in similar multi race agendas, paddling with Robbie Molnar (Maidstone Canoe Club) and Billy Butler (Falcon Canoe Club) respectively.
Stan Missen and John Escott (both Bradford on Avon Canoe Club) had a tight race in over 65 men K2 missing bronze by a fraction of a second but beating the next boat by a similar margin. Matt Enoch (Nottingham Kayak Club) also scored a 4th in over 45 men K1 and again with Jason Graham (Shrewsbury Canoe Club) in over 45 men K2. While Dave Flynn (Exeter Canoe Club) secured a 5th (out of 22) in over 70 men K1. There were an unusual number of DNFs in many races, which probably reflected the choppy course and the commitment by all.
The interesting course incorporated natural islands and sharp turns – many preferred its layout to the out and back nature of so many. Billy Butler (Falcon Canoe Club) and Jon O’Grady (Runcorn Canoe Club) agreed with a top Hungarian paddler from Gyor, saying the course is a particularly choppy challenge – apparently known for that amongst the Hungarians.
Well done all and our thanks to Bryn Price for co-ordinating and leading the Masters element of the team.
Thank you to Gina Moullec for creating this report and highlighting the competitive nature of the Masters international competition. If you are interested in getting involved, the Masters team welcomes all abilities and experience levels so please contact Bryn Price and visit our Masters Racing information webpage here.
