Inspire Me Now: Tim Reese

🌟Inspire Me Now: Tim Rees

Coach Jacko’s Note
Since Julia wrote the testimonial below about her son Tim, a lot has happened.

I stepped away from coaching Tim after an incredible run, pausing until the European Championships in Graz, August 2024. At that point, Tim had shifted focus toward his education, and paddling had taken a back seat. But when we reconnected for the Europeans, it was clear he still had it. My role wasn’t to reteach anything—it was simply to remind him of what he already knew, to bring him back on track. As soon as that clicked, his performance elevated, and Tim went on to win the European title.

By June 2025, at the World Championships in Plattling, I was no longer coaching Tim directly. We still shared conversations—there’s always a bond between an athlete and their long-time coach—but his path had moved into a new phase. He was drawing from his own experience, applying what we’d built over the years, and stepping out on his own terms.

That’s what great athletes do. They grow into independence. They carry the coaching with them, but they also begin to bring more and more of themselves. Watching Tim take silver at the Men’s Worlds—stepping straight up from Junior World Champion—was extraordinary. It wasn’t just a podium result. It was a powerful testament to years of learning, evolving, and believing in the process.

– Coach Jacko

January 26, 2024
Julia Rees

Living in a quaint farming community near Ulm, Germany, my two sons discovered their passion for whitewater kayaking—especially the exhilarating discipline of freestyle. Little did I know that this interest would transform into an extraordinary journey, particularly for my youngest, Tim, who became the first and only junior to win two world championships.

Our path crossed with Jacko’s through Quim Fontaine, then Men’s World Champion. After seeking Quim’s advice on coaching, he introduced us to Jacko, who was running youth development camps. Tim, just 12 at the time, embarked on this new adventure, warmly welcomed by both Jacko and Quim, who even arranged airport pickups.

The camps were transformative. Jacko’s influence extended well beyond kayaking. He instilled life skills and a contagious enthusiasm in both of my boys. His follow-up training exercises were tackled with real dedication, reflecting a growing commitment to the sport.

As the boys attended more camps, our relationship with Jacko deepened. Tim began remote coaching with him, and what stood out was Jacko’s holistic approach—he always saw the bigger picture, balancing athletic training with academic and personal growth.

Tim’s local training sessions were carefully recorded and reviewed by Jacko. This feedback loop significantly improved his performance over time.

Even during Covid-19, when the world came to a standstill, Tim kept progressing. After competitions resumed, Tim faced a few early setbacks. But Jacko’s insightful debriefs helped him reflect, recalibrate, and move forward with a stronger mindset.

At the European Championships in late 2021—Tim’s first major competition—Jacko’s presence was pivotal. A breathing technique Jacko had shared helped Tim focus and perform under pressure. He finished second, only behind one of Jacko’s more experienced athletes.

Preparation for the 2022 World Championships was intense but focused. Thanks to Jacko’s guidance, Tim showed up ready and confident, ultimately winning the Junior World Champion title. The camaraderie among Jacko’s athletes was inspiring, rooted in mutual respect and shared growth—not just competition.

The 2023 Championships, held in Columbus, USA, brought new challenges: wave-based features Tim wasn’t used to. Yet again, Jacko supported him in adapting his skills and mindset. That journey ended with another Junior World Champion title—a stunning back-to-back victory.

As a mother, my pride is immeasurable. But I also recognize that Tim’s success wouldn’t have been possible without Jacko. His guidance, presence, and unwavering commitment have been monumental. It’s difficult to fully express the impact of such a remarkable coach, but I can say this: Jacko has been a cornerstone in Tim’s path to becoming a champion.