There have been many memorable moments in a sensational International Canoe Federation season. In the third of our moments of 2024, we look back at when Ottilie Robinson-Shaw secured gold in Plattling after coming back from a major injury.
Tears and champagne were flowing in equal measure when Ottilie Robinson-Shaw celebrated an emotional victory at the top of the podium in Plattling.
The British paddler had just clinched gold at the ICF Canoe Freestyle World Cup in the German town after returning from a major injury.
Experiencing the joy of success in her beloved kayak was something Robinson-Shaw feared she would never feel again.
Robinson-Shaw had even doubted whether she would be able to return to the water let alone win gold on the global stage.
In October 2023, Robinson-Shaw dislocated her shoulder competing at the ICF Canoe Freestyle World Championships.
After undergoing surgery, Robinson-Shaw spent many months in recovery hoping to get an opportunity to roll her kayak again.
“This winter was one of the hardest of my life and there was a moment when I never thought I would kayak again and definitely wasn’t thinking I would be competing in the World Cups,” said Robinson-Shaw.
“So to come out with such little training and put down a really strong ride I am very proud of it.”
Despite only returning to training four weeks before the World Cup in Plattling, Robinson-Shaw was back to her best.
The 23-year-old secured women’s kayak squirt gold before clinching the women’s canoe decked surface title and then did the double again in the second World Cup in Plattling.
“Kayaking is like riding a bike and all the hard work has paid off,” said Robinson-Shaw.
“This makes me feel really proud of the work that I have put in this winter to recover from an injury and be back here.
“I love kayaking and I hope I can kayak for the rest of my life.”
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