Natalia Podolskaia

Natalia Podolskaia, also known as Natasha, was born on October 14, 1993, in Vologda, Russia. She started her canoeing and kayaking training in 2005 at the age of 11 in Arkhangelsk, Russia. Her athletic club is the Pomorie Regional Centre of Sports Preparation in Arkhangelsk, and her coach since 2005 has been Andrey Tyapkov, who is also her uncle. Natalia pursued higher education in Coaching at the Moscow State Academy of Physical Education in Malakhovka, Russia. She holds the title of Master of Sport of International Class in Russia. Her career debut was at the 2012 Olympic Qualification Tournament.

Podolskaia has achieved significant milestones throughout her career. She represented Russia at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, competing in the women’s K-4 500 metres. The team finished seventh in the final. In 2013, she earned a bronze medal in the K-1 4 x 200m at the ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships in Duisburg and a gold medal in K-2 500m at the U23 World Championships in Niagara. The following year, in 2014, she secured a silver medal in K-1 4 x 200m at the ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships in Moscow. A memorable sporting achievement for her was winning a silver medal in the K1 200m at the 2015 European Championships in Račice, Czech Republic. She also earned a silver medal in the K-1 200m at the inaugural European Games in Baku in 2015.

Her career progression continued with a silver medal in K-2 200m at the 2018 Canoe Sprint European Championships in Belgrade. Podolskaia also competed at the 2020 Summer Olympics, qualifying for the women’s K-1 200 metres and women’s K-1 500 metres events. In 2021, she won a bronze medal in the K-1 200m at the ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships in Copenhagen. Her coach and family have been the most influential people in her career. Beyond sports, her hobbies include travelling and snowboarding. She primarily resides in Arkhangelsk, Russia.