Paddle Queensland proudly congratulates the Queensland State Team athletes who competed at the 2026 Paddle Australia Canoe Marathon Championships in Canberra, with athletes delivering determined performances across a challenging and exciting weekend of racing.
The Championships brought together marathon paddlers from across Australia to contest national titles in a range of junior, senior and masters divisions, with competitors tested across endurance racing formats featuring both flatwater speed and technical portage sections.
Queensland athletes showcased resilience, endurance and strong team spirit throughout the Championships, competing proudly against some of the country’s best canoe marathon paddlers while continuing to strengthen Queensland’s growing presence within the discipline.
2026 Queensland Canoe Marathon State Team
Kim Ankenbauer (Team Leader)
Alan Barry, Barry Hayden, Delia West, Diane Wood, Gareth Forde, Graeme Hudson, Grant Epple, Helyn Kellermeier, Jason Keating, Keith Coates,
Landon Lindsay, Luke Lester, Mark Rickard, Mark Sanderson, Michael Cheesman, Nicky Donaldson, Rick Finch, Robert Fisher, Stephen Lobb, Steve McLay, Tim (Stanley) Kreis, Trish Sanderson
A special congratulations goes to Queensland’s Kim Ankenbauer on her selection in the Australian Canoe Marathon Team for the 2026 ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships in the K1 category. Representing Australia on the international stage is a significant achievement and reflects Kim’s dedication, consistency and outstanding performance throughout the national campaign.
Throughout the Championships, Queensland paddlers demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship and camaraderie, supporting one another both on and off the water while embracing the competitive and community-focused atmosphere of the event.
The Championships also reinforced the continued growth and strength of canoe marathon racing across Australia, with Canberra providing an excellent venue for high-quality racing and athlete development opportunities.
Paddle Queensland congratulates all athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers involved in the Championships and extends sincere thanks to Paddle Australia, the organising committee and event staff for delivering a successful national event.
We also acknowledge the support provided by families, clubs and local paddling communities whose ongoing commitment continues to help athletes pursue opportunities at the national and international level.
The 2026 Championships highlighted the important role canoe marathon plays within the broader Paddle Forward 32 strategy, helping provide lifelong participation opportunities and performance pathways for paddlers of all ages and abilities.
Paddle Queensland wishes Kim Ankenbauer and all Australian team athletes every success as they prepare to represent Australia at the 2026 ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships.