Ottilie Robinson Shaw is the fifth girl in a row to win the (2018) Junior of the year award
Ottilie Robinson Shaw is the fifth girl in a row to win the (2018) Junior of the year award. Before her the winners were Emma Aastrand Jorgensen (Denmark), Luca Homonnai from Hungary, Nadezhda Makarchenko from Belarus and in in 2017 Barbora Dimovova from the Czech Republic.
Hailing from the flatlands of Suffolk and the Essex coast - hardly a whitewater paddling centre - Ottie only started paddling in 2013, at the age of 11, with dad Will, returning to the sport after a 30-year absence. She started her training in a swimming pool and later on the river Stour, and quickly developed an interest in the cool moves of freestyle paddling. A super-quick learner, Ottie’s progress was extremely rapid thanks to her natural ability combined with her sturdy work ethic.
Congratulations with winning the 2018 Junior award Ottilie. What does this award mean to you?
"The award means so much, I am honoured but equally humbled that so many people and the panel voted for me. The competition was seriously impressive, the junior athletes so talented, I didn't think I would make the final three so the award is especially encouraging and motivating for me. Thank you."
Congratulations from Aaron Demsey, Claire O'Hara and Dennis Newton for 2018 Junior Ottilie Robinson Shaw.
A short five years into the sport, Ottie already holds a number of world titles. She became the K1 Junior World Champion Freestlye Champion in Argentina in December 2017, then went on to secure the 2018 K1 Junior title in Bratislava, as well as both World Cups in Sort (Spain) this season.
For five years in a row now the girls are taking the Junior of the Year award. Is that a coincidence you think or is it something else?
"Whilst traditionally kayaking has been male dominated perhaps there is a realisation that women with the right opportunities, training and commitment can compete with the men on equal terms. In freestyle there is still a gap in the standard but with awesome role models such as Claire O’Hara pushing the boundaries, that gap has become smaller and for girls making that change in all disciplines has to be inspiring and worth voting for."
You are known for having a natural ability to learn quick and a sturdy work ethic. Have you ever thought about trying other paddlesports or do you want to continue with freestyle canoeing?
"C1 freestyle is relatively new for me and whilst no women or junior classes even exist in ICF competition, I am loving the chance to compete directly against the guys. Very recently I have given slalom a try and am loving the new skills it requires. That said I am still massively motivated by freestyle and the progression I'm seeing at the moment in my paddling."
Are there people you would like to thank? People who supported you.
"I have been supported and encouraged by so many people and am so grateful to them all, however a few definitely need a special mention especially Claire O’Hara, Dennis Newton of Sweetwater Coaching, Aaron and Rhona from Squarerock, Jackson Kayak and Kent Canoes plus Dan McGaley of Paddlesport Training who lit the freestyle fire for me."
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