Ep: 48 Riley Fitzsimmons – The Quest for Olympic Glory

He’s virtually achieved it all in both surf lifesaving and kayaking, but there’s just one thing missing for paddling powerhouse Riley Fitzsimmons – an Olympic medal. Inspired by his hero Lachie Tame, Fitzsimmons burst on the surf scene with Avoca Beach, and qualified for his first Olympics in Rio in 2016, finishing fourth in the K4 1000-metres. He then claimed the World Ski title in Adelaide, as well as the prestigious Australian Single Ski crown. In 2021, Fitzsimmons represented Australia at the Tokyo Games, coming away with a sixth place in the K4 with Tame, Jordan Wood and Murray Stewart. After a year away from kayaking to reset and refocus, Fitzsimmons has returned better than ever. He bagged another National surf ski title, and qualified for a third Games with a new crew including surf lifesavers Pierre van der Westhuyzen, Jackson Collins and Noah Havard. The team will be strong medal contenders, following a fourth place at the World Titles in Duisburg, Germany. As he sets his sights on Olympic glory in Paris, we delve into his extraordinary journey including his relationship with ironwoman superstar Georgia Miller, and just like his great mate Lachie Tame, he’s promised to sing “The Horses” on National TV if he wins a medal in Paris.