Benjamin Russell
Benjamin Russell is capitalizing on his opportunity to race with Canadian paddling veteran Richard Dalton this season. While the pair just fell short of qualifying for the world team in the C-2 1,000,
it hasn’t put a damper on what’s been a progressive season for Russell.
They were victors at the first set of trials and made a strong international showing on the World Cup circuit with two top-10 finishes. In addition, Russell showed he is also an emerging threat in the C-1 1,000 finishing third at both trials behind established international stars Mark Oldershaw and Thomas Hall.
“I brought my game up this season and I’ve become a much better paddler at the international level,” said Russell, a member of the Banook Club in Dartmouth his entire career. “I’m putting myself in the race now, which wasn’t the case in the past. Racing with Richard has been a calming influence for me especially when the situation is at high stakes. He’s been there before.”
Benjamin’s older brother Andrew Russell is an established Canadian veteran who reached both C-2 finals at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. It was Andrew and Gabriel Beauchesne-Sevigny who nudged out Benjamin Russell and Dalton for the
world team spot trials. Their father was the big family influence.
He competed in the sport and earned a national C-2 age group title.
Benjamin Russell was also an excellent basketball player and captain of his high school team in his senior year. He currently studies accounting at St. Mary’s University and is eyeing a career in the banking sector. He raced at the three first Mazda CanoeKayak Knockout events and loves the festive atmosphere of the event.
Contact Lorraine Lafreniere at CKC to add your name to the growing list llafreniere@canoekayak.ca
