Danielle Richards of New Zealand and Charlie Brackpool of Great Britain are the latest paddlers elected to the International Canoe Federation’s Athletes’ Committee for 2025-2029. An online vote by the ICF Board of Directors confirmed the final two members, following the recommendations from the other six representatives. Richards and Brackpool will join an esteemed group featuring Slovakia’s Michal Martikan, Czechia’s Amalie Hilgertova, Katie Vincent of Canada, Sebastian Brendel of Germany, Emma Wiggs of Great Britain, and Eslam Jahedi of Iran. Richards starred at the 2025 ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships in Durban, South Africa, winning silver in the women’s surf ski single. A regular on podiums, the 31-year-old won World Championships gold in 2019 and silver in 2022. She has also had success in Canoe Sprint, winning the 2025 Oceania Championships title in the kayak double 500m. “I am really proud to have been elected to the ICF Athletes’ Committee,” Richards said. “I started off in paddle sport, chasing the highest level possible. As we adapt as athletes and as I near the end of my paddling career, I’m really proud to be joining the ICF Athletes’ Committee. “Along the way, I’ve learned so many valuable skills - on and off the water - and I’m excited to share those experiences in this new role. “As a lifelong paddler across Canoe Ocean Racing, Canoe Sprint, and Surf Lifesaving, I’ve always valued the importance of athlete voice in creating a healthy, high-performance sporting environment. “This role is a chance to help shape the future of our sport - especially as an advocate for non-Olympic disciplines, female athletes, and athlete development at every level. “I bring a broad perspective, having competed internationally across multiple paddling disciplines, while also working as a coach, mentor, and within high-performance sport here in New Zealand. “That mix of experiences from grassroots to elite has given me a deep appreciation for both the...
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