Celebrating Helen Russell's Remarkable Achievements in 2023

At Rivers, we are excited to share the incredible achievements of one of our gifted and talented members, Helen Russell. As we wave goodbye to the 2023 race season, we cannot help but reflect on the remarkable journey that Helen had undertaken, a journey that’s defined by dedication, unwavering passion, and talent.

Victory at the European Quadrathlon Championships

Helen's 2023 journey was marked by an impressive win at the European Quadrathlon Championships. Not only did she secure her age group title, but she also emerged as the first female overall champion. It's a testament to her solid dedication and amazing talent.

Mastering Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)

Helen's dedication extended to Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP), where she shone brightly. She defended her GBSUP National Distance Race Series title in the Nisco fleet category, showing her amazing skill in this field. Furthermore, she achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the GBSUP National Title Holder in the Nisco fleet category for the first time. Helen's consistency throughout the season, with two first-place finishes and one second-place finish in the Series races, culminated in her earning the coveted overall Series title.

The British Champs race in September posed a challenging 8km distance race, a 3km technical race, and a 150m sprint. Helen not only conquered each of these disciplines but also secured the national title, further solidifying her status as a standout athlete.

Giving Back to the Community

Helen's commitment to her sports and local community is equally remarkable. As a British Canoeing 'She Paddles' Ambassador, she organized numerous initiatives to encourage women to paddle, including SUP, kayaking, and Canadian canoeing taster sessions. Additionally, she took a leading role in arranging a Big Paddle Clean-Up event in Evesham, demonstrating her dedication to preserving our environment.

Helen's impact extends beyond the water, as she was named a Cycling UK '100 Women in Cycling.' She continues to promote cycling by organizing events such as the AE Housman social ride in Bromsgrove. Despite the weather challenges that led to the cancellation of the Bikes and Books ride she organized for the Evesham Festival of Words, she remains committed to making it happen next year.

Our Ongoing Support

At Rivers, we take immense pride in Helen's accomplishments, and we are delighted to see her sporting achievements featured in the local press. Helen says that her membership at Rivers has truly contributed to her success, and that our continued support has been pivotal in helping her reach her sporting goals and vital in her journey, for which she expresses gratitude.

We look forward to witnessing Helen's continued success in her athletic endeavours. Her achievements are a testament to the power of dedication, talent, and a supportive community.