Three-time Paralympic gold medallist, Charlotte Henshaw MBE has been appointed as paracanoe rep for the newly established European Canoe Association (ECA) Athletes’ Committee
The Committee is designed to ensure better communication between athletes and the European Canoe Association and to help guide the sport’s development across all disciplines.
Athletes voted in Charlotte at the recent 2025 ECA Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe European Championships in Račice.
The first ECA Athletes’ Committee, which is designed to ensure better communication
A seasoned member of athlete commissions, she brings with her extensive experience from the British Paralympic Association.
“I am really passionate about moving paracanoe forward,” said Henshaw. “It is brilliant that we now have a seat at the table to, hopefully, bring forward the athlete’s voice. I think it’s really important to hear from the athletes so we can continue to grow the sport and make things even more positive.”
Henshaw also emphasised the importance of practical improvements.
“Making sure that everything around the competition is accessible for everybody, that transport to and from the course is good, and that we are getting the small things right to ensure paracanoe is functioning in the best way possible”, she said.
“We already do a brilliant job, but we can always be better and bring the sport to even higher standards. It is growing so much, and we want to keep growing it so that future generations can enjoy what we have.”
Charlotte joins canoe slalom athletes Monica Doria (Andora) and Michal Martikan (Slovakia) and canoe sprint athletes Frederikke Hauge Matthiesen of Denmark and Josef Dostal of Czechia.