Paddlers anticipate a historic year with Olympic and world championship events

A Historic Year for Paddlesports

The upcoming year presents a historic opportunity for athletes to achieve both Olympic and world championship status within a single season, a first in the International Canoe Federation's history. This unique chance is just one of many exciting prospects in what is anticipated to be the most active year ever for global paddlers.

The already extensive 2021 ICF international schedule has been further expanded by the inclusion of the postponed 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, alongside over ten world championships.

Typically, Olympic years do not feature world championships for canoe sprint or slalom. Therefore, the 2021 calendar offers an unparalleled scenario for competitors to secure historic medal wins.

The canoe sprint and paracanoe world championships are slated for Copenhagen, Denmark, with the canoe slalom world championships scheduled for Bratislava, Slovakia. Both events will follow the conclusion of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Leadership's Perspective

ICF President Jose Perurena expressed enthusiasm for the return to competition, stating, "After a challenging 2020 for everyone in our sport, the chance to return to the water this year is eagerly awaited."

He emphasized the paramount importance of safety, adding, "The well-being of our canoeing community remains our top concern, and we will adhere strictly to medical advice and local authority guidelines."

Perurena also conveyed optimism, noting, "Assuming new vaccines facilitate a return to normalcy, we are prepared to deliver an unprecedented spectacle. Athletes, organizers, and volunteers globally are eager to resume what we excel at: staging exceptional international events."

Diverse Competitions and Opportunities

The 2021 canoeing schedule features world titles across almost every discipline. This includes the second ICF SUP world championships in Hungary in June, and...

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