Campbell Walsh

Campbell Walsh took his first strokes in kayak at the age of eight on a children’s training course at Stirling University. After he completed a degree in analytical mathematics at Nottingham University Walsh began to make his mark on the international scene. In 2004 he won the season-long World Cup series and a silver medal in the K-1 team event at the European Championships, which led to him being selected for the 2004 Athens Olympics. Walsh led the Olympic final at the halfway stage but slipped down to what appeared to be third position. However a late penalty assessed against Fabien Lefèvre elevated him to the silver medal position. He became a consistent medal winner at major championships and won bronze medals at the World Championships of 2006 and 2007 and at the 2006 European Championships. In the months before the 2008 Olympic Games he became European Champion and thus was counted amongst the favourites for Olympic gold but a poor run in the semi-finals scuppered his chances and he failed to reach the final. Whilst 2009 yielded little for Walsh as an individual he gained a team gold medal at the European Championships and a silver at the equivalent event at world level. His sister, Kimberly, also represented Great Britain at international league.