Hungary is excited by the future of Canoe Slalom after inaugurating its first course for the whitewater discipline.
The newly constructed Vadiz course in Dunaremete was the host of Hungary’s first national selection for promising young slalom paddlers on June 1, marking an historic day for the country.
Sara Timea Seprenyi, who has been tasked by the Hungarian Canoe Federation with launching the country’s Canoe Slalom programme, was brimming with pride at the opening of the course.
“We have been waiting for it for a long time, but we can finally officially announce it to the world,” Seprenyi told the Hungarian Canoe Federation.
“After long preparations and hard work, Hungary's first slalom kayak-canoe track has been completed.
“In fact, we can proudly add that we have already organised a competition on it.”
Seprenyi has benefited from the support of Slovenian coach and former world and European champion Simon Hocevar as well as receiving great help from Andras Nyikos and Robert Weisz, who have taken care of the licensing.
“By April, everything was in place, after which construction could begin,” said Seprenyi.
“We had a month to do this, as we brought the selection process forward, but together with the contractor, Laszlo Barakso, we managed to finish it on time."
On the design of the track, Seprenyi added: “It corresponds to a whitewater level one course.
“It does not have large rocks and water cylinders, but it has high speed. It is a lightweight track - similar to the one in Solkan - with 19 gates, so it can also be used for official competitions.
“In terms of length, it is a bit short, 120 meters, but it is wide compared to the usual slopes, but this is due to the environmental conditions.”
Canoeing is embedded within the fabric of Hungary, with the country winning more Olympic medals in the sport than any other nation.
But for all Hungary’s formidable Canoe Sprint success, the nation has yet to truly make its mark on the big stage in Canoe Slalom.
Seprenyi is hopeful that paddlers will represent Hungary at this year’s ECA Junior and U23 Canon Slalom European Championships and the Skopje 2025 European Youth Olympic Festival.
“This was the first time that a slalom selection competition was held in Hungary,” said Seprenyi.
“Fortunately, we had a smooth event with 26 competitors.
“I noticed that they were nervous, but this is understandable as the track was recently finished, so they didn't have much time to experience it.
“They tend to be more confident in training, but I think it was a great learning opportunity.
“Obviously, we are still far from the international top-flight, but we have to start from somewhere and I feel that we have succeeded.”
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