Sebastian Brendel receives the prestigious Academy Award

Writer: Alyce Burnett - Sebastian Brendel's incredible feats in 2015 have earned him the Academy Award at the World Paddle Awards. The 28 year old German has stamped himself as one of the worlds best ever canoe paddlers by dominating in 2015 across World Cup, World Championships, European Championships and European Games.

Sebastian was thrilled to receive the Award. From 56 nominees in seven categories, Sebastian was voted number one by the World Paddle Awards Academy.  “I am very thankful that I can get the Academy Award and that the canoe community has such an event. I think its very important for the public to show how great our sport is,” he said.

With the Olympics less than six months away, Sebastian is focussed on winning gold but is still thinking beyond Rio. “I think four more years can be possible if the family and all of my supporters stay with me and I think Tokyo is possible for me.”

In 2015, Sebastian defended his C1 1000m title in all 3 World Cups, won World Titles and European Championships in C1 5000 and C1 1000, and won Gold in the C1 1000 at the inaugural European (Olympic) Games.

No matter what his result in Rio, Sebastian Brendels name will go down in the history books as one of the best canoe singles paddlers ever.

Links

• Last year's winner of the Academy Award was Jessica Fox.
• For all winners click here.