Robert Oliver

Started: He took up the sport in 2011. (britishcanoeing.org.uk, 26 Aug 2018) Reason: "I went to a Talent ID day just before London 2012 [Paralympic Games] trying out a number of different sports. I was actually there focused on just trying the ones to really test my strength. But I came across a kayaking machine whilst I was waiting to go to another stall. I thought, 'I will have a go at that'. I actually set the fastest time that they had from all of their roadshows. The coaches at the time told me I was really good at it, so I took their word for it and I got a call back for some taster tester days in Para canoe and kayaking and then I just carried on from there. When I did find Para canoe it really helped me because I was around others who were like me every day who all had a variety of disabilities. Being around them every day you forget that you've got a disability." (electriceelspfc.com, 30 Nov 2020) Ambition: To compete at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. (Canal & River Trust YouTube channel, 22 Nov 2021) Awards: He was named Sportsman of the Year at the 2015 Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire Sports Awards in England. (solihullobserver.co.uk, 19 Nov 2015) Additional Info: OCCUPATION He has worked as an aerospace engineer. (LinkedIn profile, 01 Jan 2022; independent.co.uk, 03 Sep 2021)