The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed canoeing’s strong Olympic presence with an exciting programme of 16 medal events across Canoe Sprint, Canoe Slalom and kayak cross set for Los Angeles 2028.
The International Canoe Federation has welcomed the IOC Executive Board’s decision today to maintain canoeing’s strong position within the Games after endorsing recommendations by the Olympic Programme Commission.
There will be a total of 16 canoeing events on the programme at LA28, including 10 for sprint and six for slalom which all starred at Paris 2024.
It means canoeing will have the sixth largest number of medal events of all 36 Olympic sports at the Games.
A total of 318 athlete quota places, including 236 for sprint and 82 for slalom, will be on offer for LA28 – the same number as Paris 2024.
Gender equality has been achieved once again, with eight events for men and eight events for women.
There is also gender balance in the number of quotas, with 118 up for grabs for both male and female paddlers in sprint and 41 for both men and women in slalom.
Canoe Slalom
- Men’s C1, Men’s K1, Men’s Kayak Cross
- Women’s C1, Women’s K1, Women’s Kayak Cross
Canoe Sprint
- Men’s C1 1000m, Men’s C2 500m, Men’s K1 1000m, Men’s K2 500m, Men’s K4 500m
- Women’s C1 200m, Women’s C2 500m, Women’s K1 500m, Women’s K2 500m, Women’s K4 500m
After its stunning debut at Paris 2024, kayak cross will return for its second appearance at the Olympic Games.
Creating a huge buzz in Paris and across the world, the kayak cross races were a massive global hit, and they are set to generate an electric atmosphere again when they splash down at LA28.
Men’s kayak cross and women’s kayak cross are part of a six-strong slalom programme that also features the women’s canoe, men’s canoe, women’s kayak and men’s kayak.
All the action will take place at The Whitewater Center in Oklahoma City which will provide an incredible home for slalom athletes to thrill fans during the Games.
There will also be no changes to the sprint events that dazzled in Paris last year with all 10 returning to ensure another great set of canoe and kayak races in single, double and four boats.
The Canoe Sprint programme will comprise of the men’s C1 1000m, men’s C2 500m, men’s K1 1000m, men’s K2 500m and men’s K4 500m as well as the women’s C1 200m, women’s C2 500m, women’s K1 500m, women’s K2 500m and women’s K4 500m.
Sprint races will be held at the wonderful Marine Stadium in Long Beach that will provide the perfect stage for competition.
This fantastic programme for LA28 will build on the great success of Paris 2024 that elevated Canoe Sprint and Canoe Slalom to new heights.
Although the application to get the 5k added to the Canoe Sprint programme proved unsuccessful for LA28, the ICF is excited about the growing impact of this event which continues to captivate spectators during World Cups and World Championships.
Innovation is an essential part of the ICF’s Fit for Future Evolution strategy as the International Federation looks to expand the global reach of paddle sports.
The ICF will continue to work closely with the LA28 to deliver a fantastic Olympic Games in three years’ time and will remain in discussions with the IOC and Brisbane 2032 over future innovations for the sport on the biggest stage.
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