Russell powers towards world championships

A GEELONG Canoe Club champion is looking to make a splash is his international competition debut later this month.

17-year-old Thomas Russell has been selected to represent Australia’s junior sprint team at the International Canoe Federation Sprint Championships in Portugal in July.

Russell has made huge strides in his kayaking career since taking to the sport at a come and try day at the Geelong Canoe Club in January 2024.

After enjoying surf ski paddling at Torquay Surf Life Saving Club, he thought it was a good progression to step up to sprint kayaking to advance his skills.

The Colac resident trains predominantly by himself on Lake Colac in the morning, dealing with the northerly winds and choppy conditions before going to school nearby.

After achieving strong results at the Paddle Australia Nationals in Penrith, Russell said he was stoked to earn a call up to the national team.

“I was bit surprised when they read out the team, it was my first nationals, and I didn’t know what to expect with team selection… I was shocked when my name came out.”

To prepare for the world class event, Russell is completing 13 sessions a week, six out on the water, and an additional seven made up of gym work, swimming and some running.

“My goals for the event are just to experience it and learn what it is like to race at an international event,”he added.

“It was my first year of racing at the national level this year and that was a huge step up. This is definitely going to be a great learning opportunity which I can use for future events.

“I don’t have too many expectations, I just want to learn and work as hard as I can.”

The International Canoe Federation Sprint Championships begin on July 23.

A fundraising page has been set up to help Russell get to Portugal.

“Since I started everyone has been so supportive, it’s a big part of why I’m going to the world championships,” he said.

“People at the surf club, the canoe club, everyone has been offering their assistance. I can’t thank them all enough.”

To donate, head to asf.org.au/preview/thomas-russell