Tim Baillie MBE

Having taken a long and bumpy route to reaching his first Olympics at the age of 33, Tim really enjoys passing on the lessons he has learned to young people.

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Born in Aberdeen, Tim had the opportunity to start canoeing at a young age because it was his parents favourite hobby.

By the age of 11 he was a member of the Scottish Junior training squad racing in the individual kayak (K1) category.

When he turned 18 Tim moved to Nottingham, ostensibly to study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Nottingham, but his real motivation was to train at the National Water Sports Centre.

Tim raced in K1 until the age of 23 at which point he decided that a change was needed so he teamed up with Etienne Stott to race in the double canoe (C2) category.

Their initial goal was to compete for a medal at the Beijing Olympics but sadly this was not to be.

Despite being quick enough physically and technically at the crucial qualifying race they were the victim of their own nerves and completely failed to deal with the pressure.

This was a huge disappointment but once the dust had settled the prize of competing at a home Olympics in 2012 was too much of an opportunity to ignore.

Fast forward four years of hard work and determination with huge ups and equally huge downs and they were ultimately successful in winning the Gold Medal at London 2012.

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Tim maintains that their biggest achievement was not necessarily the result but the fact that they managed to remain calm and race with an uninhibited mindset.

How they achieved this is something which he is very happy to discuss and share.

He’s visited many schools/youth groups and likes to emphasise that the athletes at the Olympics are not born “super-humans” but are just normal people who have made positive choices and worked very hard to achieve their goals.

He’s very passionate about sport, and in particular canoeing, but also recognises that the lessons he learned from sport can help young people in any endeavour they choose.

Tim helped in making an impact to young people’s lives and raising aspirations whilst working on the Sporting Champions programme, and is now looking to inspire your audience by sharing his secret of what it takes to be the best you can!

Competitive Record

1
2012 London Olympics - Gold
2
2013 World Cup - Silver
3
2010 World Cup - Bronze
4
2009 World Champs - 4th
5
2009 European Champs - Bronze
6
2007 World Cup - Silver
1
2012 London Olympics - Gold
2
2013 World Cup - Silver
3
2010 World Cup - Bronze
4
2009 World Champs - 4th
5
2009 European Champs - Bronze
6
2007 World Cup - Silver

Tim was a real inspiration to the young people that attended the games. He stayed for the full day and was involved throughout including at the opening ceremony, medal presentations and in direction interaction with teams.

Rob Cook, Nottinghamshire School Games

Tim Baillie inspired young athletes who are on their first steps within competitive sport with his story of how he became an Olympic champion in 2012.

Gill Morrow, Beds and Luton School Games

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