Will Riddington, 17, from Seaforth, is setting his sights on representing Australia in Olympic kayaking, targeting the 2028 Los Angeles or 2032 Brisbane Games. Coming from a family with a rich surf lifesaving legacy, Will is carving out his own path in competitive sport, shifting his focus from surf ski paddling to sprint kayaking.
Rising Star in Kayaking
Despite only recently committing to the discipline, Will has already made an impact. At the recent Paddle Australia Canoe Sprint GP II in Penrith, he secured a podium finish in the Under-18 K1 1000 and K2 races. He did an impressive feat, considering he had been unwell before the event. His strong performance builds on his national debut last year, where, despite not winning, he realized his passion for the sport and decided to fully commit to kayaking.
Photo Credit: Manly SLSC/Instagram
His goal now is to earn selection for the Australian junior team. It is a crucial step toward senior national representation and, ultimately, Olympic qualification. The upcoming Australian Sprint Championships in March will be a key test, as national junior, Under-23, and open teams will be selected afterwards.
A Family of Champions
Will is the son of Craig Riddington, a surf lifesaving legend from the 1980s and 1990s. Craig’s resilience and determination were highlighted in 1989, when he famously completed the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships surf race in cyclone conditions, cementing his reputation as one of the sport’s toughest competitors.
Photo Credit: SLS Australia/Facebook
Now, Will is forging his own identity in a different sport while carrying on the Riddington competitive spirit. He credits his father’s influence but is determined to make a name for himself in kayaking.
The Road Ahead
With Brisbane 2032 as a key long-term goal, Will is also eyeing an opportunity to push for a spot at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. His rapid progress suggests he has the potential to reach the highest level, provided he continues to perform in elite competitions.
For now, his focus remains on training, racing, and securing national selection. The Australian Sprint Championships will be a major milestone, with his performance there shaping his path toward future Olympic dreams.
Published 22-Feb-2025
