Interview: Peter Tranter
Photos: Peak PS
A chat with… Mallory Franklin
Since competed internationally since 2009, Mallory has become Great Britain’s most successful female canoeist, having won 16 World Championship medals – seven gold, five silver and four bronze. Franklin won slalom silver at Tokyo 2020 in the first ever Olympic women’s C1 race and this year wants to go one step further this summer and win a gold medal at the Paris Olympics. Take it away Mallory…
Before we start, please tell our readers a little about yourself, your family, your background, where you come from, etc.
My name is Mallory Franklin. I am 29 years old, a Team GB Canoe Slalom athlete and Great Britain’s most successful slalom athlete. I grew up in Windsor, Berkshire; I have two brothers, one older and one younger. I have always been active, but canoeing was my first love, and it stuck.
Tell us about your early days of slalom – when did you discover the sport, what appealed to you and what caused the bug to bite?
I was five years old when I started canoeing; it was a complete fluke; my family were looking to find something for me and my brothers to do, and the local leisure centre didn’t have anything of interest, but next door was the local canoe club that was having an open day, with a barbecue and all the boats for us to try, I jumped on the water and never looked back. I loved the feeling of being on the water, the freedom of being in control of my own space and the challenge that came from the water.
Tell us about the spots you paddle/train the most frequently, and where is your favourite?
I train full-time at the Lee Valley Whitewater Centre; it is my favourite venue in the world, although I may be a little biased. We paddle at some truly amazing venues, but I will always be attached to my home course.
How different is your training for Kayak Cross from that of Slalom itself?
Kayak cross training is pretty similar to slalom, but there are slightly more physical components, such as the boat being heavier and the mechanics of the sport being different. Also, it’s a bit back to basics as it’s a new discipline, and we are just learning the techniques, so there are quite a few sessions trying to dial in those new techniques.
Take us through your mindset when preparing for a race.
I try to focus on myself and my strengths. Racing is stressful for me, and I can get quite anxious, but over the years, focusing on myself and my strengths has helped me try to stay relaxed on race day.
What do you consider to be the most challenging manoeuvre in slalom?
It can depend on the course; the big moves on stoppers are generally quite hard.
You are GB’s most successful female paddler – does one competition stand out?
The Olympic Games have to be the stand-out competition; I mean, it’s the Games.
You’re in the final four for the gold medal in Kayak Cross in Paris; which other three paddlers would provide your dream line-up?
This is a really interesting question. Do you pick people you think you could beat easily or people you would be cool to end up potentially standing on a podium next to? I really don’t know the answer, but I know it would be cool to have Kim Woods in that final with me. Securing a medal for GB would be epic.
And what does it mean to you to see more women participating in paddling?
It’s amazing to see so many women participating in paddling. I have learned so much about myself through canoeing; I want everyone to experience that.
What’s the one piece of advice you would give to an aspiring young slalomer?
Be brave and try everything!
Who are your role models, and who/what keeps you motivated?
I am motivated by all those around me who chase their goals and push themselves to get there.
What are you planning after Paris?
I have my honeymoon planned after I finish racing this year. My husband and I are travelling to California, which is really exciting.
What would a typical food day be for you from breakfast to supper?
I mix up what I eat everyday so it’s hard to answer this.
Which river anywhere in the world would be on your bucket list?
There are some really cool rivers in New Zealand that I would love to paddle.
Is there anywhere in the world that’s got you hooked, somewhere you want to return to again and again?
I love Australia, I’ve been a couple times and I love the culture.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years?
Probably coaching hopefully.
OK – life isn’t all about kayaking – so what else interests you when you get the time?
I bake a reasonable amount and enjoy spending time with my husband.
Quickies…
If you could paddle with anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be?
My husband on an old school river trip vibe.
Pick two celebrities to be your parents.
Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively (although they’re too young).
Which famous person would you most like to see play you in a film?
Jessica Alba.
Are you a bathroom/shower singer, and if so, what do you sing?
Any musicals.
An ideal night out for you is?
Film and picnic under the stars.
What one luxury item would you take with you on a desert island?
My pillow, I love it.
What would I find in your fridge right now?
Crumble always, and leftovers.
What would you prepare for us if we came to your house for dinner?
It’s probably just something simple like mince and wraps.
What is your favourite sports team?
Team GB, I don’t really follow any sports.
What three words would you use to describe you?
Sporty, weird and annoying.
Any final shout-outs to friends, supporters and sponsors?
My husband, his family, and my family are my biggest supporters. Thank you also to Element Karbon, my personal sponsor, UK Sport, and the National Lottery, which allows me to focus on my training.
Many thanks, Mallory, for all of your help on this, and all the very best for Paris – we really appreciate it.
