YOU might expect paddling prodigy Benji Cabrera to have been inspired by the likes of Olympic medallists Joe Clarke or Mallory Franklin, writes Jonny Bray.

But after being selected as part of SportsAid’s Next Generation programme, supported by Aldi, the 18-year-old canoeing star insists that his sporting hero is, in fact, World's Strongest Man winner Eddie Hall. 

SportsAid supports over 1,000 young athletes each year by providing a financial award to help with training and competition costs while also delivering personal development opportunities to many athletes through workshop sessions.

Aldi are now working in partnership with SportsAid to support 20 young athletes on their journey to becoming future Olympians and Paralympians – including Cabrera – and helping them to eat like a champion.

The Truro and Penwith College student’s career highlights include finishing first at the British Open National Championships in the Under-18 K4 5k. 

But Cabrera admits that one of the driving forces behind his success has been the inspiration he gets from following the career of the famous strongman-turned-boxer. 

"I'd say Eddie Hall was really a driving force for me, he is just so determined, and I find that really inspiring," said Cabrera, speaking after filming a new TV advertising campaign for Aldi, who work with Team GB and ParalympicsGB on the Get Set to Eat Fresh programme, helping school children eat healthier and live an active lifestyle.

"I first saw him two years ago when I started to see clips of his deadlift on YouTube, and I saw how he pushed his own limits so far.

"I have never seen anyone push themselves that far and I wanted to try to do the same. 

"I love fitness and wellbeing because it keeps you in shape and ensures that your head is in the right place." 

Each year, athletes are nominated to SportsAid by the national governing bodies of more than 60 sports based on set criteria.

The Aldi-supported athletes will be receiving a £2,000 award through SportsAid. Aldi will also support their 20 athletes with a £25 monthly voucher, to fuel them through training, competitions and to future Olympic and Paralympic Games.

After coming through at Fowey River Canoe Club, Cabrera finished ninth in the Under-18 category at the Marathon World Championships. 

And he believes that he was born in the perfect place to take to canoeing like a duck to water. 

He said: "I live in Cornwall and water sports are big in Cornwall, so I have always enjoyed being in the water and the sea. 

"So I just thought that I'd give it a try, and I met some of the coaches at what is now my club and started it - and loved it straight away. 

"There is definitely a wide range of sports available in Truro, and you are surrounded by a lot of people who know how to do water sports and who are great athletes as well. 

"This was the first water sport that I tried, and I just enjoyed it. 

"I love how well it keeps you in shape and how unique it is. There are a lot of different aspects and a lot of skill involved as well, it takes a lot of practice, but when you do it well, it is really satisfying."

Aldi is the Official Supermarket Partner of Team GB and ParalympicsGB and have partnered with Team GB since 2015, ParalympicsGB since 2022 and will be supporting them through to Paris 2024.