Clarke has had an impressive year in canoe slalom and kayak cross, thge mnost successful so far in his career, winning eight medals across the World Cups, World Championships and European Games.
The 2016 Olympic Champion’s year culminated with a show stopping two World titles at a home World Championships in Lee Valley White Water Centre, winning his maiden men’s kayak title and adding a third consecutive kayak cross gold medal to his collection.
Joe also became a father at the start of the year, balancing his most successful year to date with being a new parent. His nominee said: “Joe is a true inspiration to the sport. I cannot wait to see what 2024 holds.” Britain’s elite athletes have nominated 12 of their peers to form the 2023 Athletes’ Athlete of the Year shortlist. All athletes currently or previously funded to train via the World Class Programme were able to nominate an elite athlete for the award, and are now voting for their male and female winner. The men’s shortlist comprises: Joe Clarke, Chris Hunt Skelley (para-judo), Shah Rashid (wheelchair fencing), Matt Richards (swimming), Bradly Sinden (taekwondo) and Gregg Stevenson (para-rowing). The women’s is: Fran Brown (para-cycling), Emma Finucane (cycling), Jessica Gadirova (gymnastics), Beth Potter (triathlon), Lucy Renshall (judo) and Maisie Summers-Newton (para-swimming).
Source: https://www.britishcanoeing.org.uk/news/2023/joe-clarke-shortlisted-for-beaa-athlete-of-the-year
