Spiked

James freestyles his way to World Champion win

James Reeves, 29 from Nottingham has scooped the top prize in the International Canoe Federation (ICF) Freestyle Kayaking World Championships 2009.

Competing in Switzerland from 31st August to 6th September 2009, amateur athlete James dominated the competition throughout. Coming first in the semi finals, he then went on to win gold in the final – scoring 40% more than his closest competitors and taking the International Canoe Federation (ICF) World Champion 2009 title in the Squirt Kayak class.

On reaching the pinnacle of his freestyle kayaking career James said: “I am immensely proud of this achievement. I am already motivated and passionate about kayaking as it’s a great modern sport, but this will keep me going for many years to come. I’ll be back in 2011 to defend my title, so will be working to find support and sponsorship to get me there.”

"I live my life in a way that means I don't sacrifice my water time to anything else. When I am on the water I am there because I want to be and I am doing what I want to do. This keeps me motivated and passionate about kayaking and will do so for years to come.”

James Reeves is one of the longest standing members of the Great Britain Freestyle Kayaking Team, and has no plans to bow out of competing in the near future. He holds the record for the greatest number of medals won at international championships, having brought home medals from seven of the eight championships he has attended.

James lives in Nottingham and trains at Holme Pierpoint Watersport facility. He is currently supported by ROKO Health Clubs, Level Six kayaking apparel, Murky Water Kayaks and Bern helmets and always keen to hear from future sponsors.

James is also a feature writer for SPIKED magazine focusing on the development and evolution of Kayaking. Check James's next article in the next edition of SPIKED Extreme Lifestyle magazine available in November.

More information about the event including videos, photos and results visit: www.icf-thun2009.ch. Anyone interested in supporting James in retaining the title in 2011 should contact freestyle@jamesreeves.net or visit www.jamesreeves.net.

For further information please contact Rachael van Oudheusden or Sarah Elwell at Willoughby PR on 0115 924 7132 or email rachaelv@willoughby-pr.co.uk

About James Reeves – Freestyle Kayak World Champion 2009
James Reeves is one of the longest standing members of the Great Britain Freestyle Kayaking Team. He holds the record for the greatest number of medals won at international championships having brought home medals from 7 of the 8 championships he has attended including the recent gold medal in the 2009 world championships.

Accomplishments/rankings:
Recent:
2008 European Championships  -           Gold Medal                               -           Squirt
2007 British Championships       -           British Champion x4                  -           Squirt
2007 National Alpkit Series         -           4th Place                                              -           K1
2007 World Championships       -           4th Place                                              -           Squirt

Best:

UK: 4 time British Squirt Champion; 2006 Peak UK Series winner in K1

European: 2008-9 European Champion

World:2009-2011 World Champion

 Freestyle Kayaking:
Freestyle kayaking is a modern activity that can be compared to such sports as surfing, skating and snowboarding. It involves using a river feature, such as a wave, to perform acrobatic tricks which can include spinning, jumping and flipping the kayak. There are many different ‘moves’ that can be performed and each is given a score based on difficulty. Athletes have 45 seconds to perform as many of the highest scoring moves they can. The winner is the person with the most points.