The 2026 Paddle Australia Canoe Marathon and SUP Championships took place in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, bringing the country’s top endurance paddlers together for a highly competitive and rewarding event.
With the race practically in our backyard, the Marathon Paddling Academy (MPA) was proudly represented by thirteen dedicated members of our endurance program: Brett Greenwood, James Harrington, Daniela Torre, Dmytro Medvedyev, Craig Macfarlane, Michael Casey, David Greuter, Chris Dickman, Timothy Harrington, John Duffy, Cassandra O’Connor, Karen Tipping and Stephen Shelley. Competing as part of the broader New South Wales team, our athletes took on a wide range of categories, including open and masters’ divisions, as well as singles and doubles events.
MPA delivered an exceptional performance at the national level, bringing home an impressive total of eight gold, four silver and two bronze medals. Below are some highlights:
Brett Greenwood was a standout performer, dominating both K1 and K2 races and securing gold in all his events. His victories included a K2 partnership with Brett McDonald, a Western Australian paddler, as well as a mixed double win alongside Daniela Torre.
Daniela Torre also had a strong showing, claiming gold in the short course, silver in the long course, and another gold in the mixed double with Brett.
Dmytro Medvedyev added to the medal tally with gold in both the short and long course events and teamed up with Craig Macfarlane to earn silver in the doubles race.
David Greuter powered to gold in the long course event, while Michael Casey delivered a strong all-round performance, securing silver in the short course and adding a bronze in the long course. The pair also teamed up for a challenging doubles race, but after two swims in tough conditions, were forced to withdraw just a few hundred meters from the finish.
The doubles event saw a strong showing from John Duffy and Wade Rowston, whose seamless teamwork earned them a well-deserved silver medal, while Chris Dickman and his partner Timothy Harrington delivered an impressive performance to claim bronze.
Cassandra O’Connor delivered a flawless performance, winning both her short and long course races. James Harrington also competed strongly in the highly competitive open men’s category, finishing strong in both races.
Looking ahead, Brett Greenwood, Daniela Torre, and Dmytro Medvedyev - following their successful performances in Canberra - have been selected to represent Australia at the World Marathon Championships in Argentina. An exciting next chapter awaits these paddlers as they take on the international stage.
Off the water, the team made the most of the experience, enjoying not just the racing but the team spirit that comes with it. Between events, there was plenty of cheerful moments, shared meals, and great time spent together, creating memories that went well beyond competition. A big thank you also goes to our incredible support and land crew - Jill, Paolo, Kathryn, Meg, Alison and Blandina - whose help and encouragement played a vital role in making the weekend such a success.
