The 2023 International Canoe Federation Junior and U23 Wildwater World Championships begin today in the Czech Republic.

Athletes from 27 nations and four continents will take part in the five-day competition at Roudnice Nad Labem, which takes over the event after China was forced to withdraw as hosts. The event will welcome back athletes from New Zealand, the Netherlands and Canada.

Host nation the Czech Republic and several federations have banded together to provide boats and equipment for the event, and a host of volunteers will ensure not just a smooth competition, but also several side event and social activities for the young athetes.

The course, which winds through the city centre, will host both classic and sprint races.

Several world champions will also attend the titles to help coach the athletes, including Maxime Richard, Ned Znedarcic and Vladfi Panato.

Find more information about the event here.