Richard Hounslow

Richard Hounslow is a double Olympic silver medallist and world champion in canoe slalom, best known for his success in the C2 discipline alongside teammate David Florence. Over the course of a decade at the highest level, he collected 20 medals across Olympic, World, and European competitions, establishing himself as one of Britain’s finest canoeists. His Olympic silver medals at London 2012 and Rio 2016, combined with the historic C2 World Championship gold in Prague in 2013, secured his place in British sporting history. Today, Richard is recognised as both an elite athlete and a compelling motivational speaker, sharing insights on perseverance, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence.

Richard’s journey was defined by resilience. Missing out on qualification for the Beijing 2008 Games could have ended his Olympic ambitions, but instead it fuelled his determination to return stronger. His persistence paid off when he made the Team GB squad for London 2012, competing in front of a home crowd of 12,000 at the Lee Valley White Water Centre. That summer became a career-defining moment as he and Florence claimed silver in the C2 event, contributing to what would be Britain’s most successful Olympic Games in over a century.

Following the high of London, Richard and Florence continued to dominate on the international stage. In 2013 they became the first British pair ever to win a C2 world title, a triumph that showcased their technical skill, mental toughness, and ability to perform under pressure. Another Olympic silver followed at Rio 2016, affirming their consistency at the very pinnacle of the sport. Alongside his C2 successes, Richard also competed in K1 and team events, adding further medals to an already impressive collection and demonstrating his versatility as an athlete.

Since retiring from competition, Richard has become a respected ambassador for canoeing and a sought-after speaker. He regularly appears on British Canoeing TV and in the media, including features with The Telegraph, The Independent, and ITV News. In his talks, he reflects on the discipline, focus, and endurance required to compete at the highest level, while sharing behind-the-scenes stories of the Olympic experience. Richard inspires audiences by showing that setbacks can fuel future success, and that true achievement lies in resilience, teamwork, and the courage to keep striving for excellence.