Today, we introduce the third and final member of the Paddle Games Athletes Commission: Deborah Kerr.

An Olympian, world-class competitor, and passionate advocate for the future of our sport, Deborah brings invaluable insight and experience to the commission. Together with Tom Liebscher-Lucz and Victor Gairy Aasmul, she will help us create events that are more exciting, more accessible, and better connected to the athletes who make them possible.

What motivated you to say yes?

I have been lucky enough to compete in both the first and second Paddle Games. It’s an event like no other in our sport – the format, location and vibe amongst the group was so different to anything I’ve ever experienced and I enjoyed every second of it. To have the opportunity to help continue the improvement and innovation of the competition is a true privilege.

What does canoe sprint need more of right now?

Canoe sprint has 5 major competitions a year, the results of which all now matter, due to the new Olympic Qualification system. Sports such as athletics have many chances across the year to practice their race plans or even try an event different to their speciality. That’s what I believe is missing in our sport. Paddle Games is a huge step towards creating opportunities like this for paddlers, challenging their skills and providing chances for up and coming athletes to showcase their talents.

Who is this sport for?

Canoe sprint is truly for everyone. Whatever your level, there is a boat for you! I hope the sport continues to develop more racing opportunities to allow as many people as possible to experience the thrill of a canoe sprint race. The elite athletes of tomorrow will be versatile, able to compete over many different disciplines, with a fan base that enjoy exciting racing and understand the sport thanks to its accessibility – that’s the goal!

What would you create?

One of the things I like about Paddle Games is the interaction between athletes from different countries. I’d love to produce an event where the best of the best were able to compete in K2s or K4s to create the ultimate crew boat, regardless of nationality. Think Schopf and Green vs Dostal and Pimenta, or Drobot and Carrington vs Csikos and Pulawska!

I also think it’s crucial to source big sponsors that can provide athletes with exposure and cash prizes. Too often, we see athletes from all over the world, across many sports, sacrifice the opportunity to compete due to the high cost of competition. With prize money, sponsors could play a part in supporting those athletes to meet their potential.

What do you take away from this role for yourself?

As an athlete, I hope to be able to enjoy Paddle Games for many more years to come! Having a part to play in how the event develops will only enhance this experience and hopefully that of everyone else. The chance to be on the Athletes Commission with Tom and Victor and to work with the rest of the Paddle Games team is invaluable experience for me as I consider my life beyond sport. It’s not every day you get the opportunity to see behind the scenes of how a large scale event comes to be, so I’m really honoured to have the opportunity to do so.