Educated at Kings College School, Wimbledon, and Caius College Cambridge, Mike Symons was a keen rower at University and made the reserve “B” Boat Race trial in 1938. He was also a keen canoeist, often competing in the local Wargrave and Shiplake Regatta in Canadian singles, doubles and mixed races. He won the singles title in 1939. During the War, Symons served as a squadron leader with the RAF Volunteer Reserve, and in the 1946 New Year Honours, was awarded the OBE. At the 1948 London Olympics, he competed in the Canadian Doubles 1,000 metres event with Hugh Van Zwanenberg, with whom he had won races before the War. However they could only finish seventh out of eight at the Games. At the 1951 Festival Canoe Regatta on the Serpentine, Royal Canoe Club member Symons finished second in both the C-1 and C-2 (with J M G Andrews).
Great Britain