Ryan Westley

Born on August 19, 1993, in Exeter, England, Ryan Westley began his canoeing journey in 1996 on the River Axe in Somerset and on the sea in Cornwall. He currently competes in the C1 event. Westley made his senior international debut at the 2014 European Championships in Vienna. A significant early career achievement was a bronze medal at the 2015 World Championships held in London. This was followed by a silver medal at the 2018 World Championships on the Rio 2016 Olympic course. He also secured a gold medal at the 2018 European Championships in Prague in the C1 event, showcasing his capabilities on the international stage. Westley trained full-time at the Lee Valley White Water Centre after completing one year of a Sports Science and Management degree.

Throughout his career, Westley has accumulated numerous medals, including five silvers and two bronzes at the World Championships in individual and team C1 events. Notable team achievements include silver medals at the C1 team events in 2017 (Pau), 2023 (London), and 2025 (Penrith). His gold at the 2023 European Games in Kraków marked a turning point after a two-year absence from international action due to a shoulder injury. In the 2025 season, he continued to achieve, winning two silver medals at the World Championships in Penrith, Australia, in both individual C1 and the C1 team event, along with a gold in the team event at the European Championships in Paris. He also won a World Cup gold in Pau, France, in individual C1 in 2025. Westley’s commitment to the sport is further highlighted by his status as a UK sport lottery-funded athlete.

His accomplishments also extend to junior and U23 competitions, where he earned a gold medal at the 2010 Junior World Championships in Foix in the C1 team event and a gold at the 2016 U23 European Championships in Solkan in individual C1. His career demonstrates a consistent progression, adapting to injuries and maintaining a high level of performance across various prestigious competitions. Westley’s favorite paddling courses include La Seu, Ivrea, and Bourg, appreciating the outdoor aspects of canoeing. His personal motto, “You get out what you put in,” reflects his dedication.