National Team:Â Olympic / Senior / U23
DOB: 09/12/1998
Hometown:Â Cape Town, South Africa
Current place of residence: Gold Coast
Institute/Academy:Â QAS
Club:Â Varsity Lakes Kayak club
Coach(s):Â Jimmy Owen & David Smith
Nickname:Â Jeano
- How did you get into paddling?
It was offered as a sport at my junior school in year 2 and I thought it would be a cool activity to do with mates. - What has been your biggest accomplishment in the sport so far?
Becoming Junior World Champ in K2 Marathon - What keeps you busy outside of Kayaking? What is your current Occupation and/or University degree?
I am currently study a business degree at Bond University majoring in Finance and Entrepreneurship so that keeps me busy outside of kayaking. I also really enjoy writing in my spare time, as well as spending time with good mates. - Who is the greatest Influence on your career?
I would have to say my family. They have been there for me in the worst and the best moments in my career and have always supported me unconditionally. Although if I could pick someone outside my family I would say Andy Birkett. He is a close friend of mine and has taught me so much in the sport. - How would your best friend describe you?
I would like to think they would say I am a pretty easy going guy that enjoys having a good laugh, but they would probably lie and talk rubbish about me hahaha. - Do you have any superstitions before a race?
Not really, I like to stay pretty relaxed and run through my warm up. - What is your favourite course to paddle on?
Racice, Czech Republic. - Previous National Teams
South African National Team
Instagram: @jean.vdwest
International Results
2019
10th (K1 1000) ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships (Szeged, HUN)
1st (K4 500) ICF U23 Canoe Sprint World Championships (Pitesti, ROM)
2nd (K2 1000) ICF U23 Canoe Sprint World Championships (Pitesti, ROM)
4th (K1 5000) ICF Canoe Sprint World Cup 2 (Duisburg, GER)
6th (K2 500) ICF Canoe Sprint World Cup 2 (Duisburg, GER)
8th (K1 1000) ICF Canoe Sprint World Cup 2 (Duisburg, GER)
12th (K1 1000) ICF Canoe Sprint World Cup 1 (Poznan, POL)