Jesse's Olympic Journey

With Eastern European roots, family hailing from Ukraine, I grew up an enthusiastic kid of first generation immigrants. We spoke predominantly Russian in the home where I was raised in a culturally hardworking, and inspirational environment.  During this time it was easy for me to fall in love with nature. I found my muse outdoors; symbiotically, I found myself in a kayak. The paddlesport found a special place in my heart for the Pennsylvania summers with my father.  At the age of 14 I began paddling with Holm Schmidt (former German National team kayaker). During this time the bliss of discovering a sport I showed passion for captivated me to pursue this craft to excellence. My father and I travelled to races as often as we could. We went to U.S.C.A. Marathon events in Michigan, local races in the greater Philadelphia, and to Lake Placid International Regatta for Sprint paddling. At 16  (two years later) I qualified a spot for myself on the U.S.A. Sprint Development team. That same year I flew out with the U.S.A. Sprint Kayak National team to Poland for the Olympic Hopes Regatta.

I look back, introspectively, to see multiple National titles & five World Championships (in Marathon and Sprint Kayaking) over the course of eight years. A rollercoaster of determination, success, defeat, perseverance, and learning. I believe sport is a celebration of life, and of the resilience of the human spirit. My hope is to share this journey while those that connect with it. Join me in this journey as I share my process.

Jesse Lishchuk Athlete  - Facebook Page                       @Jesse_lish  - Instagram                            Jessepaddle - YouTube Channel

In September of 2018 I moved from hometown Philadelphia to San Diego California to pursue my Olympic vision with San Diego Canoe Kayak Team to capitalize on a team of talent, and work ethic. I work with coach Chris Barlow (Team U.S.A. Sprint Kayak Olympian ) with a group of dedicated National Team American athletes Nathaniel Errez, Austin Kieffer, Thom Crockett, Samantha Barlow, and Evan Truesdale. 

10x USA National Champion
5x World Championship participant
Pan-American Marathon Championships  Silver medalist
Pan-American Rank 1000m 5th place 
A.C.A. Athlete Representative
NCAA Division-1 rower - Temple Univ.


10% of all proceeds go to the Grand Family Fund,  With your generosity San Diego/Canoe Kayak  team will host children to practice and compete in this amazing sport. Check out www.jessepaddle.org  for more media! The racing seasons expense are travel, training cost, and equipment rental at competition.

Contact for questions of full  year budget layout. If you dont feel comfortable use please paypal [email redacted] or Venmo Jesse Lishchuk.  THANK YOU for your support.