Multiple Paralympic champion Emma Wiggs of Great Britain and Canoe Sprint world medallists Jennifer Egan-Simmons of Ireland and Alyce Wood of Australia are poised to get behind the mic and bring the action to life in Milan, Italy.
The stellar trio will be part of a dynamic commentary team that will cover all the thrills and spills from the upcoming International Canoe Federation Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe World Championships in the Italian city.
ICF Lead Commentator Ross Solly will be joined by Egan-Simmons, Wiggs and Wood on the Planet Canoe YouTube channel that will provide uninterrupted live coverage of every race at the World Championships that runs from August 20 to 24.
They will be familiar voices to viewers as they commentated on the ICF Canoe Sprint World Cup in Szeged and ICF Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe World Cup in Poznan earlier this year.
As well as being one of the commentators, Wiggs will also be the ICF’s roving reporter on the ground in Milan interviewing athletes and giving viewers an insight into what is going on behind the scenes.
Wiggs, a triple Paralympic gold medallist and 12-time world champion, had been looking to compete in Milan only for a shoulder injury to dash those hopes.
But the British Paracanoe legend is now delighted to have the opportunity to share her insight and expertise during the World Championships.
“I’m super excited to be part of the commentary team on the ground in Milan,” said the four-time Paralympian.
“It was really disappointing to not be able to race after my shoulder surgery but I’m hoping to add some value to this brilliant commentary and media team and see what will be my 12th World Championships from a different side.”
Egan-Simmons, who is a three-time world medallist in the women’s kayak single 5000m, is also thrilled to be part of the commentary team and cannot wait to experience the buzz generated from the Italian fans.
“It is going to be a fantastic competition with the best athletes in the world competing,” said Egan-Simmons.
“As a multiple Canoe Sprint World Championships medallist I know the commitment these athletes have to the sport along with the adrenaline and excitement they will be feeling lining up on the start line.
“Having raced at the World Championships in Milan in 2015, I know it is going to be an amazing atmosphere as the Italians are so passionate about our sport.”
Wood, a world champion in the women’s K1 1000m in 2017 who ended her competitive career after the Olympic Games Paris 2024, is looking forward to joining Egan-Simmons, Solly and Wiggs in the commentary position.
“I’m really excited to join the commentary team and be involved in the racing from the other side after retiring last year,” said Wood.
“Bringing the athlete stories to life and being the voice behind the biggest races of their year is an honour.
“This year’s World Championships is especially exciting because we will see a new crop of talent coming through the pipeline for the start of an Olympic cycle, mixed with a few old faces who are back for another crack.
“I don’t think there is a clear favourite in any event.”
The World Championships will be streamed around the globe on the Planet Canoe YouTube channel that is available for signed-up members.
The ICF is working with Italian broadcaster RAI to deliver stunning coverage of the flagship event that will captivate paddle sport fans worldwide.
Stuart Roach, TV and Broadcast Director for the ICF, said: “We have strived to take our live coverage on the Planet Canoe platform to even higher levels this season and the best pictures need the best voices.
“There are so many stories to be told on the water and so many twists and turns in this truly global sport. That is why more and more rights-holder broadcasters are partnering with us for coverage of our events and to have such a stellar commentary team calling the action is absolutely vital.
“In Alyce, Emma and Jenny, alongside Ross in our commentary seats, we have brilliant harmony across athletes who have been there, done it, got the medals.”
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