Hendrick brothers secure two Olympic qualifications for Ireland

Hannah McNamara

Canoeing Ireland has had a successful weekend at the 2023 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships, with Kildare twin brothers Robert and Noel qualifying two boats for Ireland at next year's Olympics.

The 25-year-old athletes Robert and Noel Hendrick are members of the Meath canoe club, Ribbontail Paddlers CC in Boleykeogh.

Robert Hendrick demonstrated skill in the semi-final round of the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships at the Lee Valley White Water Centre in England on Friday.

Robert ranked 16th place overall, securing a spot for Ireland on the C1 Men start line for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

With twelve Olympic quota places available, and each nation only eligible to qualify for one spot, Hendrick’s finish secured ninth nation across the line. Robert finished with a total score of 103.51, 5.42 off the leader.

This result ensures that Ireland will be represented at the Paris Olympics next summer in Canoe Slalom, and the final selection race to name the athlete who will compete will be next summer.

The following day Noel Hendrick secured Ireland's second Olympic quota spot. With great pressure for this competition, Noel delivered his best ever World Championships performance.

He finished in 16th place in the K1M and secured one of the fifteen quota spots available in the Men’s K1 category, meaning Ireland can compete in this category at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Noel finished with a total time of 97.20 seconds, 6.24 off the leader.

The athlete filling the quota place will be decided by internal selection.

Eoin Rheinisch was the coach with the Men’s team at the World Championships at the Lee Valley White Rafting Centre in London.

Canoeing Ireland congratulated both men on their fantastic wins and expressed what an "incredible" championships it's been for Ireland.