A YOUNG canoeist who has his eye on the next Olympics has been nominated for making a big splash with youngsters.
Grant Underwood, 19, a kayak racer for Perivale club The Sharks, was nominated by Angela Stewart, who said: “He has shown dedication to his sport, training several times a week. In addition to all the hard work Grant puts into his training, he always has time to help other paddlers develop their skills and is often out coaching with youngsters or showing new paddlers the best routes down race courses.
“He is an inspiration to other young people and gives up his time without thought, showing great understanding of their needs. He has been an amazing mentor for my son and other young people.”
Last year, Grant, of Larwood Close, Greenford, was twice selected for British teams. He competed in a sprint regatta in Ghent, Belgium, and in the European Junior Wild Water Racing Championships. He won the National Wavehopper U18 Championship in 2011 and 2012.
Grant’s first taste of the water was at the tender age of six. He said: “My dad just put me in a boat on the Thames. I was a bit scared and fell in, which was OK as we had been out as a family and had already gone swimming.”
He joined the Sharks six years ago and never looked back.
He said: “I love the competitiveness and the fact that everyone is really great.
“They are so friendly and supportive whether you go to top or local events. Everyone is cheering for you, even if they don’t know you.
“My aim now is to get into the Olympics sprint racing, but lots of training will be needed.”
