David Florence: Astronaut Application & Net Worth
David Florence is a slalom canoeist from the United Kingdom. He was also born on August 8, 1982.
Furthermore, in the single canoe competition, the slalom canoeist is a two-time world champion. In addition, he was a double canoe champion in 2013.
Florence was the first canoeist to achieve the C1, C2 double at the same World Championships since Charles Dausset reached the milestone sixty years earlier.
Moreover, the British canoeist David Florence also won three silver medals in a row at the Olympics.
The article discusses the height, weight, early life, personal life, career, social media, and net worth of David Florence.
Quick Facts
Here are some quick facts about David Florence:
| Full Name | David Florence |
| Birth Date | August 8, 1982 |
| Birth Place | Aberdeen, Scotland |
| Residence | Aberdeen, Scotland |
| Nationality | Scottish |
| Ethnicity | Not Available |
| Hobbies | Traveling, Maths, Skiing, Tennis |
| Food Habit | Not Available |
| Education | University of Nottingham |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Father’s Name | George Florence |
| Mother’s Name | Jill Florence |
| Siblings | Fraser Florence |
| Age | 41 years old |
| Height | 6 feet 2 inches (1.88m) |
| Reach | Not Available |
| Weight | 78 kg (172 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Not Available |
| Profession | Professional canoeist |
| Marital Status | Not Available |
| Children | Not Available |
| Net Worth | $1.5 million |
| Social Media | Facebook, Instagram, Twitter |
| Slalom Canoeist Merch | Helmets, Paddles, Kayak |
| Last Update | April, 2024 |
David Florence: Age, Height, and Weight
The Scottish slalom canoeist David Florence is currently 41 years old.
Furthermore, Florence is 6 feet and 2 inches tall. While his weight is around 78 kgs or 172 lbs.
Moreover, David’s astrological sign is Leo. The birth flower of Leo is sunflower and marigold.
Leos are known to be generous with their time, energy, respect, and money.
As a result, Leos are drawn to other people. Leos are born with a natural sense of self-assurance.
David Florence: Early Life
Florence was born in the Scottish city of Aberdeen. However, he and his family relocated to Edinburgh.
Furthermore, David lived in Edinburgh for nearly eleven years, from the age of seven to eighteen.
He went to Roseburn Primary School and Stewarts Melville College for his secondary education.
Moreover, David Florence began canoeing at the age of 14. As a result, Florence spent a lot of time on the Water of Leith.
Forth Canoe Club eventually invited David to join the Club due to his skills and abilities.
Furthermore, at the Club, he received training on the Union Canal. He also studied mathematical physics at the University of Nottingham.
On the other hand, Florence stated that the National Watersports Centre chose to relocate to Nottingham.
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David Florence: Personal Life
David Florence is the son of George and Jill Florence. He was born on 8th August 1982.
Furthermore, George, his father, is also a former Scottish canoeing champion. So, likewise, his family is overflowing with athletes.
Fraser, like his brother, canoes for Scotland. Uncle Angus Florence canoed for Scotland as well.
Struck by Lightning
On the Great Wall of China, David Florence was struck by lightning.
Florence was with his family at the time. He was about to become the first Scotsman to win an Olympic medal for Team GB.
The Olympic Games were held in Beijing. In addition, he won the silver in the men’s singles slalom.
Florence’s father, George, and mother, Jill, were injured, suffering from shock, cuts, and bruises.
Fortunately, doctors were present at the nearby Olympic canoeing and rowing venue.
Moreover, several events had to be postponed due to bad weather.
Furthermore, they treated the family and transported them to a clinic, where they were treated.
“The tower they were sheltering in was struck by lightning,” a Team GB spokeswoman told the reporters.
Furthermore, he added, “Fortunately, they were not seriously injured.” Moreover, George and Jill were also taken to a clinic as a precaution.
Astronaut Application
David Florence attempted to become an astronaut before competing in the 2008 Olympics.
He also applied to the European Space Agency, where he trained to become an astronaut.
There were several training programs available through the Agency. Florence was also influenced by an advertisement he saw.
Furthermore, he is serious about becoming an astronaut. He began studying Russian, which was a requirement for the position.
However, he was not one of the four people chosen from among the 8,400 applicants.
In addition, he received a rejection letter just before the start of the 2008 Olympics.
He reportedly said about the application, “It wasn’t a spontaneous decision.”
Furthermore, he added, “It was an opportunity to apply for something incredible that presented itself. I tried but was denied entry.”
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David Florence: Career
David Florence began his career by becoming fourth at the 2005 European Championships.
He did, however, finish fifteenth in the World Championships. In addition, he improved and moved to sixth place in the World Championships in 2006.
Furthermore, David won a bronze medal in the C1 Team and a gold medal at the World Cup in Augsburg.
The slalom canoeist finished third at the World Championships in Prague and Augsburg.
Moreover, he then began competing alongside Richard Hounslow. At the 2009 World Championships, the pair took bronze.
He has three gold medals, one silver medal, and seven bronze medals from the World Championships.
Olympics
Olympics 2008 (Beijing, China)
Florence competed in the C1 events at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
Meanwhile, he became second. Michal Martikan, a Slovak canoeist, beat the Scottish David Florence.
He ran the course in 89.47 and 82.16 seconds in his preliminary runs at the Shunyi Olympic Rowing-Canoeing Park.
Florence also had an excellent semifinal time of 90.46 seconds, which qualified him for the final in fourth place.
Moreover, he was selected out of the ten progressing competitors.
Furthermore, Florence stated after the event that the sight of Rebecca Adlington had inspired him.
Rebecca Adlington performed admirably in the Olympics, as she won the gold medal in the 400 m freestyle.
Olympics 2012 (London, England)
Florence qualified for the C1 event at the British trials for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.
Because his C2 partner Richard Hounslow qualified for the K1 event; as a result, the pair began the C2 event as the second British boat in that category.
In addition, David Florence was a title contender in the C1 event. However, he did not make it to the final.
As a result of numerous errors, his run was cut short in the semifinals.
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David Florence: Missing Out
The three-time Olympic canoe silver medalist did not qualify after finishing sixth in the men’s C1 at the 2019 Canoe Slalom World Championships.
Florence was only a reserve for the Tokyo Olympics. Furthermore, Adam Burgess took his place in Team GB’s C1 competition for Tokyo.
David Florence: Net Worth
David Florence’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.5 million. Furthermore, he has amassed this fortune primarily through his canoeing career.
Moreover, many sponsors, including Lloyd’s Register, Sandiline, Vajda, and Sub Zero, have previously partnered with him.
In addition, the sponsors helped him add up his fortune. However, his lifestyle, on the other hand, is largely unknown.
David Florence: Social Media
The 41 years old canoeist can be found on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Furthermore, Florence usually shares photos showing his love for the sport and the beautiful places he has visited.
On Facebook, over 6.1k people follow him. On Instagram, he has followers of around 2.6k.
Furthermore, on Twitter, he has over 4.6k followers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does David Florence play the bagpipe?
David Florence is an enthusiastic bagpiper. He is also an all-around athlete who enjoys tennis, golf, and skiing.
Did David Florence win the gold in the Olympics?
David Florence received a two-second penalty on the first run of the Olympic final.
Furthermore, the difference between first and second place meant he would have to settle for silver rather than the gold medal.
What boat does David Florence use for canoeing?
Florence’s boat is also known as the Vajda Supremo 2. Supremo is based on the highly successful C1 model Lizard 350, but with several enhancements.
Moreover, one of the most significant changes is flat turns and ride control.
Who coached David Florence at Team GB?
Mark Delaney is the Scottish slalom canoeist’s coach. He is Team GB canoeing’s technical coach.
Who are David Florence’s idols?
Florence didn’t have a specific hero or idol.
However, when he first started in the C1 paddlers, he looked up to Gareth Marriott and Lukas Pollert.
