Manvers Paddler To Represent Jamaica

Manvers Waterfront Boat Club member Solomon Maragh has been selected to represent Jamaica as that country's first Canoe Slalom athlete. Fifteen year old Solomon, who is from Sheffield, became eligible for Jamaican citizenship because his paternal grandmother was born in Jamaica.

Now that Solomon is officially registered as a Jamaican athlete, the next step is for him to represent the country at the International Canoe Federation Canoe Slalom Pan American Championships in Rio De Janeiro on 3rd-5th April. As this event is an Olympic Qualifier he will be competing to represent Jamaica at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo! 

According to Solomon's mother Julie; "Solomon has always loved being in a canoe and quickly became interested in competing in canoe slalom, rising from division 4 to division 2 in kayak and canoe in less than three seasons! Setting a goal of becoming an Olympian, Solomon chose to race for Jamaica"
 
Solomon had this to say about the challenges of combining training and his studies; "I have met a lot of great people through canoeing from different competitive and non-competitive disciplines. I have my GCSE's this year and I aim to start an engineering apprentice in September. I am pretty much either studying or training, in the gym or on the water!"

We are sure that everyone at the club will congratulate Solomon on his achievement, and wish him all the best as he sets out on his amazing journey #GoSolomon!

Follow Solomon's progress on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Solomon_JAM-101856708064734/

Solomon, pictured above with his father, Dean, coach Les Ford and members of Manvers Waterfront Boat Club during Storm Dennis!