Following a series of strong performances in 2023, under-23 paddler Matt Collinge was awarded a place on the World Class Programme for the first time for 2024.
In 2023, Collinge competed at the World Under-23 Championships in Auronzo, where he combined with Benji Cabrera to finish seventh in the men’s K2 1000m final. He also competed in the K1 1000m in Italy, clocking a personal best time to finish seventh in the B final.
Completing a breakthrough year, Collinge also made his senior World Championship debut in Duisburg, again racing alongside Fowey River clubmate Cabrera in the K2 500m.
He began kayaking at primary school when not playing rugby and has been a member of Fowey River Canoe Club since the age of 11.