Robert Oliver set for European Championships - The Solihull Observer

Robert Oliver set for European Championships

Solihull Editorial 7th May, 2015 Updated: 21st Oct, 2016   0

SOLIHULL Paracanoe star Robert Oliver is on his way to Racice in the Czech Republic where he will represent Great Britain when he competes in the K1 200m at the Senior European Championships at the end of this month.

The British number sealed his place at Racice by winning the two qualifying races at the recent selection regatta held at the National Water Sports Centre in Nottingham.

“I am absolutely buzzing.” he said: “It was great to see all the hard winters training pay off on the water.

“The weather conditions for the trials were terrible with really high winds, but I dug in to get the result. The times weren’t important it was all about finishing first and gaining selection for the European Championships.”




The European Championships are only one of Oliver’s targets this year, as he will also be looking to represent Great Britain at the World Championships in Milan this August.

Then his thoughts turn to Rio in 2016 where Paracanoe will make its’ debut at the Paralympic Games.


“In 2011 I set myself a goal to be the very best which, to me, means World and Paralympic Champion.

“Qualifying for the European Championships is the first step on the journey and I am thankful to everyone for their support.”

Oliver was a talented footballer up until 2008 when he broke his leg during a match aged 20 and after 17 operations he was forced to have his leg amputated due to medical negligence.

He thought his life as a sportsman was over but two years later he climbed into a kayak and was given a new lease of life in Paracanoe.

Now Rob is asking Observer readers for their help in designing a new personal logo as he continues his remarkable climb in Paralympic Sport.

He added: “I can’t afford to have a professional designer work on this, so have decided to launch a competition where the winner will get the opportunity to spend time with me at the National Water Sports Centre.

“You will get the chance to take part in some training with me including some time on the water. I will also be able to provide you with training advice, a programme and guidance on nutrition.

“The brief for the logo design is very open, it just needs to be personal to me. It may reflect that I am British, the sport of Paracanoe or include my website address it is very much open to you. The winning design will be used on my kit, training kit, kayak, social media and website.”

If you would like to submit a logo design for consideration, you can contact Rob through his website robertolivergb.com

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