Claire O'Hara MBE
10x World Champion Freestyle Kayak & Squirt Boating
GB Freestyle Kayak Team 2006 - 2022
Whitewater Kayaker, Ambassador, Coach, Sports Professional and Mum
I am very excited and proud to share this collection of some of my most progressive and fun moments in my sport.
Having being inspired, coached and motivated by an extremely talented progression of female athletes in my early years in the sport who broke barrier after barrier to carve out progression of out the sport before me.
To then share my 15+ years, as a full time athlete, with an incredible of group of exceptionally talented, competitive and awesome women with whom I was able to take the sport a level where nothing was impossible.
And to now be able to watch, support and help the next generation as they continue to enjoy the sport, training hard and still pushing the boundaries taking women’s freestyle kayaking to a level we never though was possible even just 10 years ago. It’s insane.
I am very proud.
When asked what legacy I would like to leave behind me…
* That the next generations of girls in our sport know no boundaries, no limits of what is thought possible.
* That all freestyle athletes live the true lifestyle of a freestyle kayaker, one where you’re passion and enjoyment for the sport motivates and drives you. Where you compete because you love it, train because you love it, paddle because you love it.
* That no matter how good you get you remain humble and work hard to be inclusive and ensure that the competition environment remains a positive, safe, space for all involved. A place where you positively support and encourage one and other to become the best you can be. Living the dream, whilst also being amazing role models on and off the water, keeping the magic of the freestyle community alive.
* I also wish that every young freestyle kayaker takes the time to learn the history of the sport. To remember, honour and respect those who have gone before you, every amazing female (and male) freestyle kayaker who helped open this path to totally utter freedom within our sport.
As I watch the new generation travelling the world, enjoying everything our amazing sport has to offer I feel that this now exists.
I am so proud to be a freestyle kayaker and I can’t wait to see what more the next generations can do as they continue to enjoy our amazing sport
Music Credit - Runway by Beat Mekanik. Source Free Music Archive. License type CC BY