HELEN Russell claimed two national stand up paddleboarding (SUP) titles to crown an excellent second year competing in the sport.
The Evesham athlete successfully defended her GBSUP National Distance Race Series title before also being crowned GBSUP National Title Holder in the Nisco fleet category.
Racing for Fladbury Paddle Club, Russell competes in the Nisco/Naish category where all competitors race on the same make of inflatable board.
Russell said: “I am over the moon to have taken both titles. This year was actually more of a battle against the elements and of determination than other competitors.
“All three races posed their own challenges, including wind, rain and storms. The race at Bewl Lake was a real test of who would be left standing at the end due to the strong wind.”
The race series rewards consistency throughout the season, with competitors’ top two results from three series races counting.
And the national championship race saw three races take place in a single day – an 8km distance race, 3km technical race and a 150m sprint race.
The first race of the series took place in Cardiff Bay at the International Water Sports Village back in May where Russell finished as runner-up behind Northern SUP athlete Gemma Cone.
Russell then topped the podium in the second race of the series at Bewl Water in Kent in extremely windy conditions.
And Russell also triumphed in the the final race of the series at Bray Lake in Berkshire last weekend to claim the National Series title.
The race formed part of the National Championship competition with Russell first in both the technical and sprint races to claim another national title.
Part of the Rivers Leisure Gifted and Talented scheme, Russell is also a four-time British Quadrathlon champion.