Maidstone Canoe Club paddlers win medals at World Masters Championships in Portugal

Five members of Maidstone Canoe Club excelled at the World Masters Championships in Portugal.

Keith Derham and Paul Newman won gold in the over-75 K2 13km race.

Bryn Price teamed up with Nottingham paddler Jane Miller to take silver in the 65-69 mixed K2, and he was fifth in the men’s K2 alongside clubmate Mick Wibrew.

Catherine Ayling collected bronze in partnership with Bishop’s Stortford paddler Kirsten Queenley in the over-50 ladies’ K2.

“It was an absolutely wonderful experience,” said Price.

“There were 500 masters from all over the world competing over two days.

“You get a real feeling of how stiff the competition is and the atmosphere was great, as it always is at masters events.

“A lot of us have competed against each other over the years and when you come off the water, there’s fellowship.

“It’s self-funded but it’s worth it when you’re getting the chance to compete against the best in the world in your age group.”