Medallist wants to put paddle in water for Liberals in next federal election

OTTAWA — An Olympic kayaker is looking to splash Liberal gold on a southern Ontario riding long held by the Conservatives.

Decorated athlete Adam van Koeverden announced Thursday he hopes to run as a Liberal candidate for the riding of Milton, Ont. — a clear sign the Liberals are ramping up efforts before the 2019 election with star-studded names.

The 36-year-old van Koeverden has four Olympic medals to his name, as well as two world championships, and served as Canada’s flag-bearer at the Olympic Games in Athens and Beijing.

A website laying out details of his candidacy says his campaign will focus on traditional Liberal values with an emphasis on youth, sport, physical education and healthy communities.