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RICHMOND Canoe Club paddlers dominated the 200-metre events at the British Canoe Unions second 2001 national sprint regatta, held in Nottingham last weekend. The strong showing of a number of Richmonds youth paddlers has resulted in their selection for the Great Britain development squad that will be competing at an international event in Gent, Belgium, in a couple of weeks.
Richmond was particularly strong in the doubles events, winning the elite mens A, boys A and girls A events. Gavin Turrell and Shane O'Quin steamed to victory in the mens elite mens event in 35.86 seconds. Oliver Isbell, paddling with Guildford canoeist Alan Bayliss, took the boys A title in 40.25 seconds and Kim Wetherall and Nettie Kelly claimed the girls A gold in 48.60 seconds.
Richmond canoeists did well in the individual 200-metre races too, with a third place for Shane O'Quin in the mens A final, a silver spot for Jackie Eastwood in the womens B final, and a bronze for Oliver Isbell in the boys B event.
OQuin and Gavin Turrell were also successful in the mens A fours 200-metre event, teaming up with two canoeists from Leighton Buzzard to take second spot in the final.
Richmond also claimed a first place in the 500-metre races. Nettie Kelly won the girls A singles final in 2 minutes, 14.96 seconds. She also combined with Kim Wetherall and two canoeists from Guildford to take the gold in the girls A fours 500-metre event.
Richmond Canoe Club will be hosting an open day on Sunday 10th June. The club actively promotes canoeing in the borough and runs a variety of courses for canoeists of all ages and abilities. It participates throughout Britain and Europe in racing events. The club was the winner of the 1999 team event title of the 125-mile Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race and was the winner of the 1999 National Interclub Sprint Racing Championships. The club has produced a number of international and Olympic class athletes and coaches.
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