In the fifth of our big interviews with the 2024 International Canoe Federation Canoe Slalom World Cup Series winners, we spoke to men’s overall kayak cross champion Joseph Clarke of Great Britain.   

Four-time Olympic medallist. That's how Joseph Clarke envisions himself bowing out of the sport, leaving a legacy that inspires the next generation. 

Soon after Paris 2024, the Great Britain paddler had already set his sights on a big finish at the elite stage four years from now.  

High-performance athletes and their mentality is something unique and admirable but Clarke is on a whole different level. 

Let’s paint a picture: At just 23 years old, he clinched his first Olympic gold medal in Rio de Janeiro, a moment that set the stage for his incredible career. But then came the disappointment of missing out on Tokyo 2020.  

Instead of letting it define him, Clarke responded with resilience and passion, becoming a world champion in kayak cross not once, not twice, but three times in a row! Talk about a comeback! 

Backing that up with a silver medal as the event made its Olympic debut in the French capital, Clarke is raring to go for more in Los Angeles.  

“The Olympic Games is the pinnacle of the sport and I don't think I will be carrying on just to compete in World Championships,” he said.  

“The focus has already switched to LA28. I am fully ready to commit for another four years and excited that it will be in America. LA is going to be huge.  

“There are two events, and I would very much like to be a four-time Olympic medallist. It would be the best way to bow out of the sport.”  

After Paris, the 31-year-old did not sit back and relax. He capped the season off by defending his overall ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup title in kayak cross, including a sensational gold medal at the final event in La Seu.  

“It was special to defend the overall World Cup title after winning the Olympic medal because it shows that it was not a one-off performance,” he said.  

“To be able to do it in 2023 and back it up in 2024, when realistically my focus was on the Games, and I wasn't sure if I could do the World Cups.” 

Clarke was joined by compatriot Kimberley Woods, who defended her title, as Great Britain confirmed itself as a powerhouse in the event.  

Crediting the "good collaborations" at the Lee Valley White Water Centre, Clarke gave an insight into how the British paddlers conquered the kayak cross frenzy. 

Running four-way head-to-head sessions, almost like a race, focusing on the event alone on Tuesdays and training with like-minded individuals who wanted to succeed made the difference, according to him. 

He also felt that by familiarising with the courses on the World Cup circuit, they always knew what to expect.     

“We know the course at the back of our hand. When it becomes a regular on the circuit, we start to know the course better and better. The racing standards are very high as a result,” Clarke continued.  

“If you are not able to do well in one World Cup, then you can pull it back in another. Most of them are great venues and we see different kinds of people prevailing at different venues.” 

While the season has just ended, the next one has already started for Clarke.  

A trip to Australia, where he has fond memories of celebrating his son Hugo's first birthday, is what awaits him in two months.  

Training at the Sydney 2000 Olympic course and making the most of the warm climate, Clarke is already making plans for the World Championships in Australia next year.

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“I have booked my flights for January 8 and will be there until February 17,” Clarke said.   

“I am looking forward to getting back on the course, getting a feel for it, and understanding what kind of mood it is going to set on race day.  

“I am quite excited to get back out there. I have had a lot of fun memories from last year.   

“We celebrated Hugo's first birthday there and will be celebrating his second birthday there now.  

“It is an exciting time for us.”