Danielle Richards of New Zealand and Charlie Brackpool of Great Britain are the latest paddlers elected to the International Canoe Federation’s Athletes’ Committee for 2025-2029.
An online vote by the ICF Board of Directors confirmed the final two members, following the recommendations from the other six representatives.
Richards and Brackpool will join an esteemed group featuring Slovakia’s Michal Martikan, Czechia’s Amalie Hilgertova, Katie Vincent of Canada, Sebastian Brendel of Germany, Emma Wiggs of Great Britain, and Eslam Jahedi of Iran.
Richards starred at the 2025 ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships in Durban, South Africa, winning silver in the women’s surf ski single.
A regular on podiums, the 31-year-old won World Championships gold in 2019 and silver in 2022.
She has also had success in Canoe Sprint, winning the 2025 Oceania Championships title in the kayak double 500m.
“I am really proud to have been elected to the ICF Athletes’ Committee,” Richards said.
“I started off in paddle sport, chasing the highest level possible. As we adapt as athletes and as I near the end of my paddling career, I’m really proud to be joining the ICF Athletes’ Committee.
“Along the way, I’ve learned so many valuable skills - on and off the water - and I’m excited to share those experiences in this new role.
“As a lifelong paddler across Canoe Ocean Racing, Canoe Sprint, and Surf Lifesaving, I’ve always valued the importance of athlete voice in creating a healthy, high-performance sporting environment.
“This role is a chance to help shape the future of our sport - especially as an advocate for non-Olympic disciplines, female athletes, and athlete development at every level.
“I bring a broad perspective, having competed internationally across multiple paddling disciplines, while also working as a coach, mentor, and within high-performance sport here in New Zealand.
“That mix of experiences from grassroots to elite has given me a deep appreciation for both the challenges and the opportunities within our paddling community.
“I can’t wait to give back to the sport that’s given me so much.”
Brackpool has been actively competing in Canoe Freestyle events since 2014 and was a finalist at the World Championships in 2015.
He was the chief judge at the World Cup and European Championships in 2024 and at the 2025 World Championships.
Having played a role in the ICF Freestyle Rules Working Group, shaping the rules and representing athlete interests, the 28-year-old is thrilled to take on the new role.
“I’m excited to be elected to the ICF Athletes’ Committee. A huge thank you to all of those who have put their trust in me to help push forward ICF and represent not only freestyle but also the other non-Olympic disciplines under their umbrella,” Brackpool said.
My main focus now is to be the best advocate I can be. I want to make sure every athlete is heard, and that we have a real say in ICF decisions.
“I want to prioritize our well-being, pushing for things like better mental health resources and help grow our incredible sport and boost the global profile of all paddlesport disciplines.
“I’m dedicated to working with the ICF and my fellow Committee members to build a positive and supportive environment where we can all thrive.”
The eight-member ICF Athletes’ Committee will hold a meeting soon to elect its Committee Chair, who will sit on the ICF Executive Committee and Board of Directors.
Related links
