Canada’s Fred Heese began his sporting career as a sprint canoer and competed in the C2 class at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Heese and compatriot Andor Elbert finished seventh in the C2 1,000 metres after qualifying for the final via the repêchage. Following his sprint career Hesse had a lengthy career in marathon canoe racing, with him becoming one of the best in the country. He was in his late 40s when he competed in the Canoe Marathon World Championships, before turning to the dragon boat. He went on to coach Team Canada at the Dragon Boat World Championship, where they won gold, and founded the Toronto Dragon Boat Festival. Heese’s son Mark competed at three Olympics in beach volleyball, winning bronze at the 1996 Atlanta Games with John Child.
Canada