Report by Sean Davies in the Hillingdon Gazette

Harefield Sharks canoeist Grant Underwood would like to see more of his team-mates joining him on the big stage after he represented Great Britain in the World Under-23s Wild Water Racing Championships.

The 21-year-old Shark paddler finished in 17th place on his international debut, despite still recovering from an injury sustained last year, and wants to be competing for the medals next time around. Sharks coach Berta Fabinska transformed Underwood’s year as she worked to raise standards across the west London club and Underwood wants others to follow him in making waves.

Underwood said: “The experience of taking part in this competition is satisfaction enough; I have learnt a lot and so have the Sharks team and next year I hope to be challenging for medals, but in the meantime there is a lot of work to do. “It would be really great if we can get some other Shark paddlers competing for places in national teams. We have a very diverse membership, so maybe it won’t just be Britain the Sharks are providing paddlers for.”

The Sharks are London’s top wild water racing club, but have ambitions to be Britain’s number one. The club has invested heavily in the highest quality coaches and the best equipment. Training sessions are held at Harefield on Mondays and Thursdays and at the outdoor pool at Hillingdon Leisure Centre on Tuesdays. The Sharks supply all the kit members need at whatever level they are paddling. For more information, visit www. thesharks.org.uk or email canoeing@thesharks.org.uk or call Neal Underwood on 07952 770 241.