Local Herefordshire Paddler, Jake Mitchell, 15, competed for Great Britain in the Under 18 European Youth Olympics in Skopje, North Macedonia.
This was Jake’s first time representing Team GB. He was competing in Canoe Single against some of the best youth paddlers in the World and finished in 7th place, which is a brilliant achievement for him.
The temperature in North Macedonia was over 40 degrees most days which made for challenging conditions for racing.
Jake, who is a member of Wyedean Canoe Club, and trains regularly at Symonds Yat Rapids and Wilton Bridge throughout the year will next compete along with his sister, Emma, at the European Canoe Association Championship in Bratislava and World Ranking Races in Prague and Epinal.
Club Slalom coach, Mike Mitchell says:
“This is an amazing achievement for Jake and the Wyedean Slalom Squad.”
Dad, Nick, Mum, Helen and Sister, Emma said:
“We are all very proud of Jake. It was a very special experience for him and we are so glad that we got to watch him compete in Skopje.
“We appreciate all the support he has had from family who came out to watch and those who were watching back home”.
