Tokyo Paralympics six Brits to watch: Charlotte Henshaw - out of the pool and into the canoe medal mix

In the run up to the Tokyo Paralympics, we’ve been picking out the British stars who could shine for ParalympicsGB. Next up is Charlotte Henshaw...

Much like the great Sarah Storey, Henshaw began her Paralympic career as a swimmer, winning a silver medal at London 2012 and then bronze in Rio five years ago, but she retired from the sport and took up canoeing after those Games and since swapping backstroke for paddling she has thrived.

Within a year she won European silver on her international debut and then claimed her first world title, in the KL2 200m, 12 months later.

In 2019, Henshaw was the dominant force in the event, winning World Cup, World Championship and European golds in an undefeated season at international level and it took the pandemic to halt her rise.

Heading to Tokyo, it could be teammate and defending champion Emma Wiggs that stands between her and the Olympic title which would complete the set.

Paralympic record

• Gold: 0

• Silver: 1

• Bronze: 1

Tokyo 2020 events schedule

• Women’s KL2 canoe sprint (starts September 2)