What an amazing achievement!
End of season report from Helen Russell.
Hi Allie & ClaireAs my 2022 race season draws to a close I thought I would update you on what has been a very successful return to racing and to thank you for your ongoing support over what have been a difficult few years for everyone.
After a break in racing due to the pandemic and my own personal close bereavement due to COVID, I returned to racing this year. I wasn’t sure what to take on and didn’t want to put too put pressure on myself, so decided to try a new challenge of Stand Up Paddleboarding racing, which I had learnt during the lockdowns.
I was very surprised to come second overall woman in my first GBSUP Series Race in Cardiff in the N1sco/Naish category. The GBSUP National Series is a points competition and rewards consistency over the season. There were three races in the series with competitors’ best two results counting. With this second place result I then decided to do another race in the series challenge for a national ranking. I came first in The Battle of the Thames race, which meant that I had scored enough points to take the National Title. I am delighted and very surprised to get this national title in only my first season and look forward to seeing how far I can push myself in this new sport.
I also competed in two multi sport events this year – my first ever SUP Triathlon, which was a SUP,Bike,Run format in Llangorse, Wales and the British Quadrathlon Championships (Swim/Kayak/Bike/Run) in Shrewsbury. I was delighted to finish first overall woman in both events. The win at Shrewsbury means that I have now been British Quadrathlon Champion four times! https://www.eveshamobserver.co.uk/sport/athletics-russell-crowned-british-quadrathlon-champion/
I have also continued to give back to my sports and local community. My chosen charity this year was again The Albion Foundation. I took participated in the Baggies Bike Challenge, and was part of a team, which cycled from Fulham football ground to the Hawthorns in West Bromwich to raise over £30,000 for the Foundation.
Finally, this month I was chosen be a British Canoeing ‘She Paddles’ Ambassador for 2022/23. #ShePaddles Ambassadors are chosen yearly to promote the fantastic variety and benefits of paddlesport. Chosen from 180 applicants, I will be part of a team of 16 female ambassadors from across Britain, who will work together to help inspire women and girls to participate in paddlesport.
I realise that the last few years have been difficult for businesses and the future also looks to continue to be challenging. I therefore want to thank you for your support which has helped me to overcome my own personal difficulties and have a successful 2022.
I continue to promote Eladon/Elagen Sport on my website and social media.
Many thanks
Helen Russell
Results:
1st British Quadrathlon Championships
GBSUP National Series Winner (N1sco/Naish class)
1st Shrewsbury Quadrathlon (British Championships)
1st SUP/Bike/Run, Llangorse Triathlon
1st Battle of the Thames GBSUP Series Race (N1sco/Naish class)
2nd Cardiff Bay GBSUP Series Race (N1sco/Naish class)
Part of Baggies Bike Ride Fundraising Team
Chosen to be a British Canoeing She Paddles Ambassador
