2008 Olympic Champion Tim Brabants MBE has joined the World Class canoe sprint programme as podium technical coach British Canoeing announced on their website. As podium technical coach Tim will provide assistance and expertise to sprint head coach Rene Olsen in the development of the senior men’s and women’s Olympic kayak 200 and 500 metres squads.
“I am delighted to announce the appointments of Tim Brabants and James Train to join the senior coaching team for our World Class canoe sprint programme. Tim’s experience in high performance sport environments will be incredibly valuable in the development of our athletes. I feel it shows the strength of our team that we have been able to attract Tim to the role,” said Rene Olsen, canoe sprint head coach.
Tim Brabants was appointed last year by British Canoeing as Chief Medical Officer, a role he combined with his medical career working in the emergency department at Queens Medical Centre in Nottingham. Tim will stand down from both posts in order to fully focus on his coaching role.
“I’m really excited to have the opportunity to work as part of a team of world class, experienced coaches and with highly motivated and talented athletes. I competed internationally for 20 years and now have the chance to use that experience to help develop our current athletes to compete to the highest level,” said Brabants.
Tim Brabants made history at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games by winning Great Britain’s first ever gold medal in canoeing ( he won gold medal in the K1M 1000 metres event). He also won two Olympic bronze medals at the Sydney and Beijing Games and was crowned World and European Champion.
Tim Brabants and James Train will commence their new roles in January 2018.
