In the fourth of our five-part series focused on Kiwi officials who served with distinction at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games today we place our prominence on the sport of Para canoe.
Starting her officiating journey 13 years ago, Karen Simpson-Warren has come a long way highlighted by some lifelong memories forged as a Chief Judge of the Para canoe programme at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Karen first became involved as an official after taking over the management of canoe sprint events at Canoe Racing NZ. With the then CEO believing she was “up for the challenge” she joined a relatively new team of officials who were keen to improve the domestic regattas by learning from the leading international competitions.
“I think perhaps not having a strong background in kayaking was a bonus because nothing was ‘normal’ to me, and I wasn’t intimidated by any old school philosophies. I just came in and started looking at ways we could improve,” admits Karen.
Given an early opportunity to serve as an observer and helper at the European Championships in Portugal in 2013, Karen and her husband, Matt, both qualified as Canoe Sprint International Technical Officials in 2014.
Since then, Karen has served at numerous international events in a range of roles and made her Paralympic debut at the delayed Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games as Chief Judge.
Located in the finish tower and forming part of the competition committee during competition, she describes the position of Chief Judge as “an overseeing role.”
“We make decisions on everything to do with the competition, looking at all aspects of the field of play, disqualifications etc. A Chief Judge communicates with all other areas – starters, course umpires, boat control, ID control, aligners and finish line, and approve results for publication.”
The days were busy but very rewarding in Paris. Unlike Tokyo, which was played out to no spectators, Paris provided exceptional spectator engagement, and consequently Karen’s second Paralympic Games provided a much richer experience.
“Paris was the ultimate spectator experience and something I’ll never forget,” she adds. “The city got utterly behind the Games, which made for a fantastic time as both an official and a spectator. I’m incredibly proud to have been a small contributor to this amazing event.
“Staying at the Paralympic Village we were able to mix and mingle with people with all sorts of impairments, fascinating life stories and incredible challenges. “
