Career Highlights:

- 2 Gold medals in 1988 Olympics – K-1 and K-2 1000 meters

- 2 Olympic Bronze medals – 1984 and 1992 K-1 1000 meters

- 4 time ICF World Champion – 3 at K-1 10,000 meters, 1 at K-1 1000 meters

- Winner of 1994 Finlandia Clean Water Challenge, Chicago to New York

- More than 50 USA national titles including 2 US Surf Ski Championship victories

- 2 time winner of each General Clinton and Shawinigan Classique marathon canoe Triple Crown events

- Winner of 1989 Molokai to Oahu OC-6 race

- 3 time winner of Canadian OC-1 Championships

Greg was born in Michigan, and grew up on a pig farm. His parents, Mike and Kathleen Barton were successful marathon canoe racers (North American style open canoes). Greg’s first race was at age 10 teamed with Phil Kruger, son of famed expedition canoeist Verlin Kruger. His older brother Bruce competed in the 1976 Olympics (K-2 and K-4 events) and was a member with Greg on the US team that boycotted the 1980 Olympics.

Greg was born with club feet and a series of unsuccessful surgeries left him with limited ankle motion and a leg length discrepancy. Still, Greg competed on his high school cross country team and continues to run as cross training, although he did break his foot twice in running competitions.

The discipline that Greg learned working on his parent’s farm generated success in academics (graduating summa cum laude with an engineering degree from the University of Michigan), and multiple championships in the canoeing disciplines of flatwater, marathon, outrigger and surf ski. Greg looks forward to spending more time with his wife Justine, and his daughters Hayley (12) and Kendall (10).

Click here to read more on Greg's history and accomplishments.

Date of Birth: : Dec 2, 1959

Country of Birth: USA

Current Residence: Seattle, WA

Profession: Engineer/President of Epic Kayaks, Inc.

Height: 5'11"

Weight: 175 lbs.

Hobbies: Besides paddling: biking, hiking, snorkeling

Favorite Paddling Location: Hawaii – Makapuu to Outrigger Canoe Club

Athletic Goals: Mostly already achieved. I’d like to win Molokai, but at my age, content with winning smaller events.

Training/Racing Philosophy: My plate is pretty full these days: running a company, traveling and family. I now train to keep too many of the young guys from catching me! Most important is to stay fit and have fun!