Susanne Gunnarsson - Swedish

Susanne Gunnarsson - Member of the World Paddle Awards Academy

Susanne Gunnarsson is one of Sweden's most successful canoeists of all time, but it is her ability to inspire and encourage paddlers to reach their goals since retiring from competition that makes her a true champion.

Competing from the early 1980's to the late 1990's Susanne was a very versatile paddler, racing in both sprint and marathon kayaking internationally. Representing Sweden at four Olympic Games, she won three medals with one gold (1996 K2 500) and two silvers (1984 K4 500, 1992 K2 500).

Following her gold medal at the 1996 Olympic Games, Susanne and her K2 partner Agneta Andersson were awarded the Svenska Dagbladet Gold Medal, which is an annual award for the most significant Swedish sports achievement of the year.

In addition to her Olympic results Gunnarsson also won nine medals at the ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships with one gold (K1 5000 1993), three silvers (K2 200 1995, K2 500 1981, K4 200 1998), and five bronzes (K1 500 1995, K2 500 1983, 1995, K2 1000 1998, K4 500 1981).

Since retiring from competition Susanne became a coach, with her passions lying within womens kayaking. She has predominantly coached Swedish paddlers, with her main athlete being Sofia Paldanius who attended four Olympic Games. Her love for canoeing and ability to inspire and encourage people of all ages has been a massive asset for canoeing in Sweden, with the country having great success in recent years.  

Susanne is a well respected athlete and coach right around the world and will be a great asset to the World Paddle Awards Academy.