Graham Palmer

Graham Palmer took part in the kayak doubles 10,000 metres event at the Helsinki Olympics with Ray Parker. The duo had only been racing together since just before the Olympics, but they were an instant success both at home and at an international event in Belgium.

Prior to the Olympics, Palmer’s partner had been Geoff Colyer and, in 1951 they finished second to the Prout Brothers Frank and Roland in the 10,000 metres National Kayak Pairs Championship. Also in 1951, Palmer and Colyer won the 37-mile race on the River Thames sponsored by the Daily Graphic Newspaper. They covered the race from Richmond to Woolwich and back in 5-12:0. They also won the kayak doubles at the Willesden Coronation Regatta in 1953. It was the first regatta on the famous Welsh Harp water, in the shadow of Wembley Stadium, for around 80 years. Palmer, who appeared in three editions of the European Championships was the founder of the Maidenhead Canoe Club.