Words by Lydia Truett
18-year-old William Short became a kayaking world champion on 4 September, after storming to victory in the ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships in Gyor, Hungary.
Competing in the Under-18 K1 category, Will completed the 3.1km course in a remarkable 14 minutes and 28 seconds, beating the best young athletes from around the world. His victory marked a proud moment for Elmbridge Canoe Club, whose coaches and community have played a key role in his success.
“I couldn’t have done it without the help of my family and coaches,” said Will. “Elmbridge have supported me every step of the way.”
Will first picked up a paddle in 2017, aged just nine, after a school friend invited him to try kayaking at Elmbridge. It didn’t take long for him to fall in love with the sport.
Under the guidance of coaches Ivan, Roland, Scott, and Tom, Will developed from a curious beginner into one of Britain’s most promising young athletes. Their support, along with Will’s dedication, has been instrumental in his rise to world champion status.
Behind the medal lies an intense training routine. Will follows a strict programme of at least eight sessions per week, combining high-intensity paddling, resistance work, and gym training. Sundays are reserved for a 10km time trial or race, leaving little downtime.
“When I do get spare time, I usually just eat, rest and get ready to train again,” he said.
His discipline extends beyond the water. Having recently completed his education at Esher College, Will successfully balanced his academic studies with elite training, a challenge he credits to the support of his coaches and family.
“One of my coaches lived close to college, so he gave me lifts to training,” Will explained. “I’d use my free periods to study and would often stay late to finish my work.”
Even world champions face obstacles. Last year, Will suffered a shoulder injury just weeks before the European Championships in Poland, but he bounced back stronger.
In Hungary, his biggest competition came from Italian and Irish paddlers. In the final minute of the race, Will realised victory was within reach.
“I looked over my shoulder and saw clear water, that’s when I smiled. I knew I’d won.”
After crossing the line, his first instinct was to find his parents in the crowd. There was little time to celebrate, however, with a K2 race with Alex Worgan scheduled just days later.
With one world title already to his name, Will is now targeting the U23 World Championships in the coming years, as well as a potential spot at the 2028 or 2032 Olympic Games.
He’s meticulous about preparation, from his poached eggs on toast breakfast before a race, to his decision not to listen to music while training to stay focused.
“I find I can’t concentrate as well with music,” he said. “Kayaking is relaxing for me, paddling on the Thames helps me switch off from everything else.”
His next major goal is the European Championship assessment day in Romania next July, as he continues to build on an already impressive career.
“Becoming a world champion at 18 is just the beginning,” he said with a smile.
Will Short’s journey from Elmbridge Canoe Club to the top of the world stage is a story of talent, hard work, and unwavering dedication, and it’s clear this is only the start of an exciting career on the water.