Ivan Lawler - British

Member of the World Paddle Awards Academy

It was only right that one of the most-talented athletes in the history of marathon and long-distance canoeing join the WPA Academy.

Englishman Ivan, 6-time kayak World Champion between 1990 and 1999 (once in K2M 10,000m sprint and 5 times in K1M marathon), won a further 4 World Championship silvers in K2M sprint and marathon, he also participated in 3 consecutive Olympic Games from 1988 to 1996 in 3 classes: K1 1000m (Seoul, Atlanta), K2 500m (Seoul, Barcelona) and K1 500m (Atlanta).

Ivan was recognised internationally for his sportsmanship during the 1990 World Championship  in Copenhagen, Denmark; he and partner, Graham Burns, were awarded the highest UNESCO sporting honour; 'The Pierre de Coubertin Award for Act of Fair Play'. The British pair stopped to help first-placed Danes, Thor Nielsen and Lars Koch, who had damaged their rudder at the last portage, Lawler and Burns could have gone on to win if they hadn't demonstrated such companionship, they then went onto finish the race 1 second behind the Danes.

Even after his pro-paddling days Ivan's contribution to canoeing never ceased to end, his efforts off the field for the greater good of canoe sport have been remarkable – coaching, club management and product distribution.

Following a chance opportunity, Ivan became Chairman of Elmbridge Canoe Club, the Surrey-based unit he used to race for. Ivan's work with club volunteers, youth programs and mentoring elite athletes has seen Elmbridge become one of the most successful canoe clubs in the world spawning over 40 World and Olympic medals to date, names include Beijing K1 1000m gold medallist Tim Brabants, six-time marathon World Champion Anna Hemmings, 2008 double World Champion Edward Rutherford, double World Champion in 2006 Louisa Sawyers, 2010 World Champion Ben Brown and Welland 2013 Junior K1W 500m silver medallist Rebeka Simon.

In terms of distribution, Ivan set up Ultimate Kayaks which acts as a major retailer, wholesaler and distributor of Nelo and Epic boats and accessories. It was this chance partnership that fuelled his newly-found love of surfski and expanded his business further into this community.

The WPA is proud to have Ivan on-board as he is one of those rare individuals who brings athletic prowess and a lifetime of industry experience to the Academy.