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Birthday 2010 - ADRENALIN JUNGLE - AUGAs birthdays go, this one was brilliant! I spent it at the REWIND 80's festival in Henley...lovely people, great bands (Rick Astley, Chesney, Modern Romance, Go West....etc...) followed by a very funny girly night at ADRENALIN JUNGLE, in Sherwood Forest. 13 of us played Laser Tag.... This place is amazing - the guys that run it are cool and I certainly recommend you check it out. Thank you Chris and Steve for such a good evening (oh and my mates too!!) Please click here to see the ADRENALIN JUNGLE website All this partying has to stop soon, as training restarts on Sept 1st for next years Olympic selection!
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2nd Guinness World Record!!!! 24.6.10Wow...what a fab day!!! Today, at David Lloyd in West Bridgford, I set a new Guinness World Record....the fastest time to do 100 'handrolls' in a kayak. Cheered on by a couple of hundred children from the local schools I teach at (thanks a million kids for the brilliant banners etc!!), along with lots of friends, family and gym members, I managed to beat my best time in training by 15 seconds...to complete the record in 3 minutes and 46 seconds! Lots of people to thank.....Twiggy and Emma from TRENT FM, you were amazing (even if you did count incorrectly Twiggy and have to be corrected, haha!), the awesome Alex Chapman, (www.alexchapman.com), the safety team - Pez, Graham, Neil, Katie and Paula. MASSIVE THANKS to Pete Orton and Mark - for all the coaching and keeping me calm! Also.. Matt from Response, Chris Wheatley, all the wonderful children and teachers...and all the staff from David Lloyd. Huge thanks also to Billaboing for the bouncy castle, Damian Field - the official adjudicator from Guinness World Records, Gordon Wheeler from NCC for the grant, Jon from NAV for the P.A system, Vanessa from TICKLED STINK, Rich from BLUEPRINT - for making the boat look great, Yvonne Lishman, Joe Sargison and his group that came to coach the kids. You all made it a BRILLIANT day!!! please click here to see CENTRAL's coverage
Amazing new sponsored car from SYTNER MINI NOTTINGHAMWow...Sytner MINI Nottingham have sponsored me with the most amazing new MINI...it's PINK!!!! I absolutely love it and it's such fun to drive. Huge thanks to Simon Vessey at Sytner MINI. Thanks also to the wonderful Richard Monk at Blueprint for wrapping it pink....it's just gorgeous!
LEARNING TO SKI IN LES ARCS - APRIL 2010I am having a brilliant time in France, learning to ski...a holiday from paddling for a week! The last time I was in Bourg St Maurice I ended up spending 7 days in the local hospital, after nearly drowning on the river...! Thankfully, this time it has been ALOT more fun!! My instructor, Baptiste - from the ESF ski school, has been fab....if you go there and need lessons then he's your man! Merci beaucoup Baptiste....tu es formidable!
Paddling and filming with Mike Bushell, from BBC Breakfast, at the new Cardiff White Water Course
Please click here to see Helen on BBC Breakfast Yesterday I went paddling with Mike Bushell, from BBC Breakfast... He had invited me to try out the new white water course in Cardiff as part a film he's making for his Saturday morning programme. Each week on the show Mike tries out a different sport to try to encourage people to be more active at the weekends. I had such a great day! The course is absolutely brilliant...a fab place to paddle and I certainly recommend paddlers to go and try it out!! A huge thank you to everyone at the centre for making us feel so welcome, especially the staff that came on the water with us. It was lovely to meet Mike too - he's a cool guy! Look out for it on BBC Breakfast, Saturday April 24th...Please click here to see the website for the new course in Cardiff
Update March 2010This season is going to be slightly different to previous ones, in that I will be focussing on a new world record attempt and coming back to slalom in the summer. After injuring my shoulder last season and taking most of the winter to recover, I don't think it would be sensible to go straight back in to racing. However, training for the world record attempt will be a great short term goal and I am really excited about it - more news to follow on that shortly!!!
New project for schools 'RECORD BREAKING HELEN' January 2010I have just launched 'RECORD BREAKING HELEN' - a new project for Primary Schools, based around inspiring children and improving their ability to learn. It's great fun and I've received fantastic feedback so far. Linford Christie MBE OBE has endorsed it and I also have the support of Guinness World Records. A big thank you to Chris Wheatley and Tony Warsop for their advice and support in getting this under way, thanks also to Gino Andreoli. More details and a link to the film shown on BBC East Midlands Today will be added to my agency page shortly. In the meantime, if you would like to book me for your school, please get in touch via my contact page. Pictured are children from Candleby Lane Primary School, with the cetificates they won during their day with me.
FACES, FACES, FACES - September 09The boat looks brilliant...many thanks to everyone who let me take their photo and sponsored me for this.... Big thanks to the players and management at Notts County (including Sven!) and to everyone at County Hall. I will send individual emails out in the next few days, including pictures... Oh, nearly forgot.....THANK YOU BLUEPRINT, FOR TURNING ALL THE PICS IN TO STICKERS FOR ME!!! Richard Monk, Blueprint's Director, is pictured holding my boat. please click here for Blueprint's website ..
Sponsorship from Tarragon - Aug 09Many thanks to Helen Hainsworth, an old school friend, for sponsoring me with her company Tarragon... .. for more info on her company
Photo sponsorship by Yvonne Lishman 24/8/09Yvonne Lishman, a local photographer from Ruddington, is one of my new sponsors. I intially contacted her after being so impressed by her work and am delighted she is now supporing me. To see the range of work she can do, or to get a quote,
A Great day filming at PGL Adventure - Caythorpe Court - Aug 09What a wonderful place Caythorpe Court is - a magnificent setting for a PGL Adventure Centre, super staff and exciting activities. I spent the day filming there recently and had such a brilliant time. It brought back lovely memories of my first PGL holiday as a kid - 20 years ago - and how that memorable experience got me into canoeing!!! Big thank you to Lana Woolley - the Senior Instructor, who, apart from being really supportive on the activities, was incredibly patient with me and my camera crew!! Lana is pictured with me - the helmets do sit incredibly high on your head by the way!!!! For more info on PGL, please click on the link on my SPONSORS page.
Presenting on BBC and just missing Semi's in European Champs... 28/5/09To see me presenting on BBC East Midlands Today last night .. Today I just missed out on making the Semi Final in the European Champs....by 1 second!!! I hit a pole and that 2 second penalty knocked me out of the top 20. It was so close. I felt I paddled well, I really enjoyed it and loved having so many friends and family down to watch. A big thank you to the kids from school that came to support me...that made my day! Most of all, thanks to Michelle for coaching me.
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European Championships 28-31 May 2009I am really looking forward to racing in the European Champs, here in Nottingham, next week! Having a shoulder injury, which prevented me from training for the 3 weeks before the selection, did cause a few problems....however, I am now fully recovered and delighted to get through!! Many thanks Matt Taylor at Response Physiotherapy (and Gemma, Ste + Mike!) for all their hard work - and to James Booth too. I'm really grateful!! The Women's race is Thursday morning (28th) and it is free to get in. The Semi's and Final are Saturday and live on the BBC. I am also presenting a piece on the event for the BBC, on East Midlands Today, on Tuesday evening - 6.30pm. Pictured is my coach, Michelle.
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TV presenting for BBC East Midlands Today - April 09The slalom course re-opened in Nottingham this month and the BBC invited me to present a news piece on the changes ....to see my film, please click here and forward to 1:10 Some of the other news pieces I have presented for the BBC can be seen on my 'movies' page.
Thank you Blueprint Nottingham!! March 2009A big thank you to Richard and Stuart for doing such an excellent job with the stickers on my new boat - they look brilliant!! These guys at BLUPRINT NOTTINGHAM can design and print anything.....boats, banners, car wraps etc etc. They are great guys too! Stuart is pictured with my boat.
GMTV picsHere is the link to see the GMTV pics......with me is my fab friend Vanessa, pictured here with Ben Shepherd. What a great day!!
Great fun at GMTV!!!!!!!!!! 14/10/08Yesterday I was interviewed live on GMTV by Lorraine Kelly. She was incredibly supportive - what a lovely woman...!! Infact everyone we met that day was really friendly and took the time to chat to a very excited Vanessa and myself - Penny, Richard Arnold, money man Martin Lewis...and Fiona... I could not believe how sweet Fiona was - and how beautiful in real life! But, getting a kiss from Ben Shepherd made our day......!! Will attach a link shortly for the pics....
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CARE IN NOTTINGHAMI am delighted that CARE FERTILITY have sponsored me.... Simon Fishel is photographed with me.
New sponsored bike from DecathlonDecathlon (Giltbrook), one of my long term sponsors, have kindly provided me with a great sports mountain bike. Pictured is cycle department manager David Bull, handing over the bike.
She's the best!! August 16th 2008Elena Kaliska is Olympic Champion!! She has won gold again, just like she did in the Olympics 4 years ago...proving consistancy...and that she is simply the best!! Elena, from Slovakia, has invited me to train with her on numerous occasions, she is a kind, gentle person - and I'm proud to call her my friend!! AHOY ELENA...srdecne gratulujem, Si uplne vynimocna a definitivne si to zasluzis !!
OUCH!!! No Pre Worlds for me....... 11/7/08All was going well in Seu - until I somehow managed to fall down a full set of stairs in my hotel. A very kind woman - Mari Carmen - took me down to the local hospital, where I ended up having 4 stitches in my elbow. It was incredibly painful, yet initially I thought I would still be able to race.... By the following morning the swelling was preventing me from bending my arm and I decided it would be sensible to follow the advice given to me at the hospital. Gutted!!
Life is good.......30/6/08I've driven out to Europe for a month, to race in the World Cup series and Pre - World Championships.... and I'm loving it!! It is great to have my own car out here - and Johny Akinyemi (Nigeria) is a pleasure to travel with! World Cup 1 went ok....29th in the Semi Final...thanks a million to Erik Masoero for talking through the course with me. World Cup 2, in Tacen, I loved....was brilliant to have some coaching from top Slovenian paddler, Andrej Nolimal (pictured)- and this certainly helped in me finishing 18th in the Semis. I felt I raced well....just a big time loss at the bottom cost me a significant number of places. He is a cool guy and I hope to work more with him in the future. Many congrats to my friend Nina for her 4th place - an excellent result!! We have now arrived in Augsburg, Germany....ready for World Cup 3 this coming weekend. After the disappointment of not making Beijing, it is great to feel so excited about paddling again....Tacen certainly helped.....!!
No Olympics for me, but great results for my friends......I haven't made it to Beijing Olympics - I'm really disappointed, but proud of what I managed to do in the circumstances......(I will explain more when I can!!) Thanks so much to Andrea Benetti for helping me with the course and for Michelle and others that sent me positive messages. I'm very grateful to my sports psychologist Craig Mahoney, to my sponsors, friends and those that have helped me prepare for the Olympic selection. Well done to my close friend Christina Gia Pron, from Italy, who managed to qualify in the most terrible personal circumstances - I know your Dad would be very proud of you - I think you showed tremendous strength to even get to the start line. Well done to Maria too. Andrea and Erik - you did brilliantly to medal...fab!! Finally, congratulations to my friend Elena Kaliska - who has just qualified her place for Slovakia - I am delighted for you and hope you take the GOLD!!! xx
Through to the Semi's with big mistake on first run!! 8/5/08Phew! After what seemed to be a good, solid (and clean!) first run, I made a mistake on my approach to gate 23 and missed it. What a nightmare..I spent what seemed like forever paddling back up for it - finishing on the cut off for Semi's. With a better 2nd run, I am through to Saturday.
3/5/08 In Poland for European Champs and Olympic Qualification.....I have been here in Krakow now for a couple of days, preparing for the European Champs and the final Olympic qualification. The racing starts Thursday and the semi's and final will be on Saturday.
I'm selected for the Irish Team for 2008 - next step, Olympic qualification.....Having made the percentages last weekend in Scotland, I am in the Irish Team for 2008. I was paddling really well on Saturday, until I missed gate 11 and spent 19 seconds paddling back for it!! With another big paddle back on my second run, it was down to Sunday to enable me to qualify. With Campbell racing, it was always going to be tough....but thankfully by him hitting a pole each run it made things alot easier for me (You know I think you're lovely Campbell.....wouldn't want you to hit a pole normally - but on this occasion it helped, thanks!!) The next step is to qualify a boat for Ireland in the European Champs - this is in Poland, next month.
Racing in Scotland....and it's snowing!!! 22.3.08I'm in Scotland for 10 days and it is absolutely freezing!! It snowed all weekend and I don't ever remember being that cold at a race! I won on Saturday, with a good 2nd run.....but on Sunday I just didn't paddle well in the Pan Celtic - 2 huge time losses left me only 3rd. However, I made the percentage required for Irish selection, which was the priority. 2 more races next weekend, then back to Nottingham. I am staying at Craigvrack Hotel again, in Pitlochry......Alan, Barbara and Jack are making me feel incredibly welcome and it is fab to see them again. Big thankyou to them (especially Jack - pictured, who came to cheer me on at the race!)
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Just home - What a fab trip!! March 2nd 2008Just arrived back in Nottingham after 8 brilliant weeks in Australia. The training was fantastic - thanks to Lou, my training partner in January and to Waz for the coaching in February. Also, thanks to Elena Kaliska, who invited me on some of her sessions and to Nina & Heather too ..(Was fun spending time with you!) I met some lovely people - and made some great friends..... a BIG thanks for the cards and presents from my mates at Bodyfit - Kel, Vaughan, Justine and all the others....(I'm missing you already!!!!) Click here for a few 'friends' pics - you will need to click on the 'Friends in Oz'. There are also afew paddling photos here from Brett Heyl...taken before my boat got damaged...click on the above link...and then on 'Brett's pics'
Sponsored FIAT in AustraliaMany thanks to Chris Granger, manager at Nepean Motor Group in Penrith, for sponsoring me with a FIAT during my stay in Australia. Great car - fab graphics!!
Bondi Beach... Feb 08Couldn't resist adding this photo when I heard it was snowing at home..hehe!!! I also want to congratulate Candleby Lane Primary School on their OUTSTANDING Ofsted!!!!! The school got oustanding in every area....and half the lessons were oustanding too - apparently the most the inspection team have ever seen. I am delighted for you all....well done (especially Chris....love you lots Mr Wheatley!!)....and see you all next month!!
Training going well here in Australia.......Training is going really well here in Australia....had a brilliant month with Lou....and am now working with Warwick Draper. I'm missing Paul Mitchell, who was coaching me back in Nottingham, but am learning lots from Warwick and he is a great guy! Been doing weights at Bodyfit gym in Blaxland ...everyone is so friendly there!
I'm in Australia!!! January 08Just arrived in Australia and am here for the next 2 months, winter training. Lou Donnington is here with me for the first 4 weeks. The guys at quarantine took our boats yesterday and we wont get them back until tomorrow, so we spent the afternoon at Featherdale Wildlife Park......was great!
Candleby Lane School's Xmas Party 14.12.07What a fab night...aswell as seeing Alex sing in SNUG (see below!) the whole night was amazing....great fun!!! Pictured are Lynn, on my left and Nic, on my right. You organised a great night Mr Wheatley!!! Click here for more photos....select the 'XMAS PARTY' set
Wow....bumped into Alex ChapmanI just couldn't believe it when our staff night out from Candleby Lane School ended up in SNUG on Friday - with my favourite local singer playing - ALEX CHAPMAN!!!!!! He was brilliant and we all had a fab night....! Thanks for the song - and the advice Alex - I've taken it on board!!! ;-) Click here to see more of Alex - on his website.
TIMES EDUCATIONAL SUPPLEMENT 11/10/07I am in this weeks TES....being interviewed about my Olympic goal and how I manage to combine my training with work as a Primary School Teacher. There are some great photos too - like this one on the left - all taken by Richard Hanson.
Green PADDY POWER paddlesPADDY POWER have kindly renewed their sponsorship with me (thanks so much Paddy!!) and have chosen to put their green and white branding on my paddles. A HUGE thankyou to the wonderful Ondra Raab for making them for me - they're fab!! www.raabpaddles.com www.paddypower.com
Brazil - World ChampsNot a good race for me.....was paddling well leading up to the competition, but hit a rock under the water with my tail at gate 3 - and consequently missed the eddy at 4. This means that I have to qualify for the Olympics next Spring instead......and I'm determined to do it!!
29/8/07 PGL Adventure back on boardPGL Adventure are Europes leading activity holiday specialists and I'm really proud to be associated with them! I can honestly say they are the best holidays I have ever been on....oh and I first picked up a paddle whilst on a PGL holiday too, aged 15!!! They have just celebrated their 50th birthday and are back sponsoring me. For more information on their holidays, see www.pgl.co.uk
17/7/2007 A wonderful day at Heage Primary SchoolI have just spent the morning back at my old school, Heage Primary, where I did an assembly for all the children and talked to them about my Olympic goal. It was a wonderful experience to be back there after so many years - and really fantastic to meet Mrs Sharp again, who taught me when I was 9 years old!!! Thanks to everyone...especially the children, for making me feel so welcome. Picture courtesy of Derby Evening Telegraph
June - START OF WORLD CUP RACES 2007I'm out in Europe now for the 3 World Cup races and working with Michelle Patrick. Not only is Michelle an excellent coach and a qualified physio....she's a great friend too!!! Having a fab time and looking forward to the races starting this weekend.
April - I'M SELECTED!!After making the percentage in all 3 selection races, I have qualified for the Irish Team for 2007...first step on the road to Beijing! The World Championships, in September, will be the first Olympic qualifier. A special thanks to Alan, Barbara and Jack - at the Craigvrack hotel, for making my stay in Scotland for the selection races so enjoyable!
November - New Sponsored TransportFiat UK joined up with Sunwin in Derby to provide me with the new Seidici 4x4. Its fab! Pictured is the lovely Frank Worboys (Sunwins manager) handing over the keys.
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