British Olympic Rowing Coach Moves to Oklahoma

Rusty Surette, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- British Olympic Coach Shaun Caven believes Oklahoma City has Olympic potential.

This spring he "jumped the pond," leaving Great Britain behind to become the new canoe/kayak head coach for the OKC Boathouse Foundation.

There's a buzz in the air and on the water, and rower Dylan Puckett said it's his coach.

"Being with Shaun, he's awesome," Puckett said. "I love his accent, he's really cool."

Caven coached Olympic kayaker Tim Brabents, who took home a gold medal in Beijing, and his British team has been recognized as one of the best in the world.

Despite his success, the man some call the king of Kayaking, has decided to move from London to Oklahoma City.

"I came here in September for five days just to check it out and at that point I made the decision to come here," Caven said.

Coach Caven said the Oklahoma River and its boathouses are a perfect place for sprint kayaking. In fact, he said it's one of the best in the world.

"The sky's the limit really," Caven said. "In terms of what you've done in three years, it would take most people 25 years to do."

He agreed to become head coach for the Oklahoma City Boathouse Foundation, which will include directing programs for students and adults on a recreational and competitive level.

"My personal goal is to develop some Olympians for America," Caven said.

Coach Caven admitted before coming here, the only time he's heard of Oklahoma was the musical, but he's been here for two months now and he said loves it.

Learn more about the programs offered at the Chesapeake Boathouse, or call 552-4040.