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OKC Riversport Hosts World Championships: Olympic Preview
20 Jul
Summary
- Oklahoma City's whitewater center will host the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships.
- The event serves as the first major qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games.
- Athletes range from 14 to 48 years old, representing 50 countries.
Oklahoma City's Riversport venue is set to host the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships from July 20 to July 25. This significant event will bring together 256 athletes from 50 countries across five continents, competing on the same whitewater course they hope to navigate during the 2028 Olympic Games.
The championships are the first major qualification event for the 2028 Olympics. Mayor David Holt emphasized the historic nature of hosting a world championship, calling it a validation of the city's dedication to paddlesports over two decades. This event is a significant achievement, especially considering it was not anticipated when the MAPS 3 project was approved in 2009.
Notably, the World Championship field is larger than the Olympics, with more represented countries. The participating athletes will range in age from 14 to 48. This event marks the first time Oklahoma City has hosted a world championship for an Olympic sport, following recent high-profile events like the NBA Finals.
