A Standout Season for Marathon Paddling Academy
Marathon Paddling Academy (MPA) athletes delivered an outstanding season, marked by personal bests, breakthrough performances over record distances, and success on both national and international stages. From time trial improvements to podium finishes at World Championships, the results highlight the depth, resilience, and competitive spirit that sit at the core of the MPA program.
Below are some of the season’s standout performances.
Daniela Torre
Daniela enjoyed a remarkable year, claiming gold at the World Masters Championships in Hungary and adding a bronze medal in the double with Brett Greenwood. That result could have been an even higher podium finish had the pair not fallen into the water early and been forced to restart from the back of the field. Domestically, Daniela dominated the Australian National Championships, winning the majority of her single and double events. Her exceptional season was recognised by Paddle Australia, naming her Australian Master Marathon Paddler of the Year.
Brett Greenwood
Brett delivered another world-class season, winning gold in the singles and bronze in the mixed doubles with Daniela Torre at the World Masters Championships in Hungary. He also dominated the NSW State Championships and Australian National Championships, securing multiple victories across single and double events. Brett added ultra-marathon success to his resume by winning gold in the Murray River Triple Crown and silver in the Tweed 30 races, and further showcased his versatility by competing at the World Ocean Championships in South Africa.
James Harrington
James continued his rise with strong national and international performances. At the Australian National Championships, he won silver in the double with Matthew Gates and bronze in the short-course marathon. He proudly represented Australia at the World Championships in Hungary, racing against the world’s best. Closer to home, James claimed gold overall in both the NSW Marathon Series and the NSW State Championships.
Alex Roberts
Alex secured silver overall in the NSW Marathon Series and placed an impressive fourth at the World Masters Championships in Hungary. He also claimed victory at the Myall Classic ultra-marathon, teaming up with Naomi Jonson to set a new mixed-double course record.
James Pralija
James competed strongly at the World Masters Championships in Hungary, both in single events and alongside Alex Roberts in doubles. Back on home waters, he secured silver medals in both the long- and short-course races at the Australian National Championships. James capped off the season with a dominant performance at the Hawkesbury Classic, winning by a significant margin in the double ski with Dmytro Medvedyev.
Dmytro Medvedyev
Dmytro delivered a strong showing at the Australian National Championships, claiming silver in the short-course marathon, bronze in the long-course race, and bronze in the double with Daniela Torre while competing in an all-men race. He also produced outstanding results in ultra-marathon events: Dmytro won the Myall Classic in the single category and went on to claim overall gold at the Hawkesbury Classic alongside James Pralija, further reinforcing his strength and consistency in long-distance events.
At MPA, success is about more than winning world titles on the international stage. It’s about overcoming personal challenges and setbacks, continually improving, and becoming a better version of yourself. It’s also about building friendships and sharing great moments together, both on and off the water.
In this spirit, we’d like to recognise the following achievements by MPA athletes in 2025:
Cassandra O’Connor
Cassandra enjoyed an inspiring season, competing in the Lane Cove time trials and major ultra-marathon events, including the Wyong River Van Stappen Trophy and the Murray River Triple Crown, where she claimed a bronze medal. Achieving these milestones in the later stages of pregnancy and then in the early months of motherhood makes her performance especially remarkable.
Stephen Shelley
Steve made a strong return this season following shoulder reconstruction, competing in several races of the NSW Marathon Series. Determined to regain his former Division 3 speed, he took on the demanding Murray River Triple Crown challenge. Along the way, Steve secured third place in the 65 km relay and third place in the 18 km relay, all while juggling race commitments with caring for his and Cass’s young baby between legs. With more training in the coming months, Steve is well on track to return to his best form.
Pim van Gestel
Pim made an outstanding transformation this year, progressing from struggling to hold a steady wash—often ending in an accidental swim early in the season—to becoming a confident paddler. He now comfortably handles choppy lake conditions in a tippy K1 and successfully completed 40+ kilometre course on the fast-flowing Murray River.
Chris Dickman
Chris put an enormous amount of work into levelling up his technique and posture. He analysed countless videos—of both himself and others—breaking down even the smallest flaws in stroke mechanics, and was relentless in seeking tips and feedback. His focus on getting the technique right has had a positive ripple effect across the academy, with dedicated Sunday sessions over the past six months centred on technique drills and making every stroke count.
Mick Casey
Mick brought motivation, commitment, and passion to every paddle session. He celebrated a significant personal milestone by competing in the NSW Marathon Series in Division 3 and taking on the challenge of the Murray River Triple Crown.
Dave Greuter
After returning from a period of minimal paddling, Dave produced a strong comeback, earning a silver medal in Division 5 of the NSW Marathon Series. As a result, he has been promoted to Division 4 for the upcoming season.
John Duffy
A seasoned marathon and ultra-marathon paddler, John took on a new challenge this season, transitioning into K1 paddling and racing and successfully embracing the demands of the craft.
Craig Macfarlane
Despite facing challenging changes in his career, Craig remained committed to his training with the academy, consistently pushing himself beyond his comfort zone and body limits to maintain his paddling form.
Beyond these highlights, many other MPA athletes achieved personal best performances throughout the year. With such a strong foundation, the academy looks ahead with confidence and excitement to even greater success in the season to come.
