From cradling his newborn daughter to feeding his toddler son’s hunger for activity, Joseph Clarke has got his hands full.
Clarke arrives in Sydney, Australia not only as a double defending world champion following his wins in kayak and kayak cross in 2023 but as a father of two.
The British star’s young family has grown this year after the birth of his little girl Daisy in June, joining his two-year-old son Hugo in Team Clarke.
It’s a busy time in the Clarke household but the 2016 Olympic champion is loving every minute as a proud dad with a new perspective on life.
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“Life has definitely got a lot busier,” said Clarke.
“I have got to two children now, a boy and a girl so I’m very fortunate.
“They are both healthy which is the main thing.
“They are definitely keeping me on my toes.
“My son is wanting to play all different sports and get out in the kayak whereas my daughter is newly born and just wants to be fed and cuddled at all times.
“It’s lovely but around training it becomes very busy.
“My perspective has changed significantly in the last two or three years.
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“There is a lot more to life than just water and poles which is what I have known for the past 30 years until the children came along.
“It’s nice, it keeps you grounded and makes you think of other things rather than just what you do here on a daily basis on the river.
“It makes you zoom out, see the bigger picture and allows you to manage those ups and downs a bit easier.”
After clinching two world titles on home waters two years ago, Clarke headed to Paris aiming to seal his second Olympic gold.
Those hopes were dashed by Finn Butcher as the New Zealander captured the first-ever Olympic gold in the men’s kayak cross, but Clarke reflects fondly on his time at the Games as he celebrated with his son in his arms in the French capital.
“The Paris 2024 Olympics were fantastic,” said Clarke.
“I watched the clips back and that crowd was electric.
“It’s something that will live with me forever.
“Obviously I was going there for gold, but an Olympic medal is an Olympic medal – it’s hard to come by.
“As time has gone on, it’s settled with me and I’m obviously made up to win silver.”
Clarke missed the opening two legs of the International Canoe Federation Canoe Slalom World Cup Series due to the birth of his daughter.
The 32-year-old returned to World Cup action in Prague and featured in Tacen and Augsburg as he ramped up preparations for the ICF Slalom World Championships in Sydney.
“I’m certainly having a bit of a down year this year, not training quite as hard,” said Clarke.
“Obviously the new addition to the family is changing things a little bit but as we get closer and closer it’s about trying to build back up and reach those highs that the Olympic Games bring.
“Penrith is definitely a stepping point so we had a nice break in the season, but I’ve done a lot of hard training and hopefully I can come out all guns blazing.”
Clarke has become a force in kayak cross, winning three successive world titles in the new Olympic event – and he now seeks to keep that sensational run going in Sydney.
“I love the course in Penrith,” said Clarke.
“It’s a great course and a great country.
“It’s going to be a fantastic event so I’m really looking forward to it.
“There has been a bit of work to do, but there was a nice gap in the season to allow me to do that.
“I have got a title to defend with three World Championships so let’s see if I can make it a fourth.”
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