By Mike Chandler, Head of Pathways and Performance:

Tomas Duarte will be leaving the Paddle Scotland Sprint programme on 14 September 2024. He has been offered a role that in his words is too good to turn down! We all wish him the very best in this new role.

In his time working within the programme Tomas reflected how incredibly rewarding it has been and how he has been allowed to develop as a person. He has very fond memories of all the athletes he has coached and he made a special mention of Anton Vazquez (former Sprint Performance Coach) and the memorable moments and learning they shared on the journey.

Tomas loves no more than to see the athletes progress, from seeing them first getting on the water, to developing their knowledge of training and then seeing them race, whether that be nationally or internationally.

He still has a passion for seeing people be their best selves so I am sure given a few years we will see him back on the bank somewhere. Tomas, I am sure I am not alone in saying a massive thank you for all your time and effort you have put in over the years and on behalf of everyone within the programme and the wider community we wish you all the very best for the future!

Paddle Scotland are currently discussing the various different opportunities with sportscotland to ensure the Sprint Programme continues to allow the athletes follow their dreams.

Listen to Episode 4 of the Scottish Paddlecast which features an interview with Tomas.