Profiles
Laura Kirkbright
16 year old Laura from Guiseley, near Leeds, is one of the top female age group canoeists in the country. Her consistent results over the 2011 season secured her promotion to canoeing's Premier Division - a great achievement and one that bodes well for her future.
Laura's late-season form in Division One this year was outstanding, with wins at Abbey Rapids in Teesdale, Llandysul in south Wales and at the Washburn competition. This secured her promotion to the Premier Division with three races still to go in the season.
She is now ranked within the top 50 female canoeists in Great Britain at senior level, and is in the national top 10 athletes in her age group.
Laura trains at Bingley canoeing club, where she first got involved in the competitive side of the sport, and also travels to Nottingham most Thursdays for additional elite level training sessions. During the season, most weekends are spent either training at Bingley or competing around the country.
Laura's challenge for next year is to make a successful transition up to the Premier Division having won promotion, and also to challenge for selection for senior international competitions.
Laura is currently funded through SportsAid's Paul Stacey Memorial Award, which is sustained by the fundraising efforts of Mrs Jean Stacey of Otley and her supporters, to commemorate the life of her son Paul, who was a keen sportsman.
- Sport: Canoeing
- Region: Yorkshire And Humberside
- Supporter: The Paul Stacey Memorial Award
