The International Canoe Federation has congratulated host country Denmark for staging a memorable paracanoe and canoe sprint world championships in incredibly challenging circumstances.
For the first time ever the sprint world championships were held in the same year as an Olympic Games, after Tokyo 2020 was postponed due to Covid-19. There was also ongoing uncertainty because of travel restrictions and concerns about the spread of Covid.
But almost 700 athletes from more than 50 countries took part in last week’s event, which also marked the 100th birthday of the Danish Canoe Federation. New world champions were crowned and some familiar names returning to the top podium.
"After such a difficult period for the event organizers, this year's world championships have been an absolute credit to everyone involved,” ICF President Jose Perurena said.
"There has been so much uncertainty for more than one year, but the Danish Canoe Federation has met every challenge presented to it.
"We are very proud to have been part of the Danish Canoe Federation's centenary celebrations, and thank them for hosting this very special event.”
The Danish Canoe Federation, together with the host cities of Copenhagen, Gladsaxe, Lyngby-Taarbæk, and Sport Event Denmark, staged the 2021 ICF Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe World Championships on behalf of the ICF.
Danish Canoe Federation president Tom Faurschou said the success was a team effort.
"I am proud, happy, and grateful,” he said.
“Proud of a well-staged world championships and the many great Danish results. Happy with the many side events and school visits. And not least, grateful for all the many, many volunteers.
“Together with the host cities and Sport Event Denmark, we received much international appraisal for our hosting.”
Lars Lundov is the CEO of the Danish national sporting event organization, Sport Event Denmark, and said the world championships were a great opportunity to showcase what his country has to offer and can achieve at major international competitions.
"Nothing beats medals at home,” he said.
“Congratulations to the Danish medalists. In Denmark, we have a proud tradition of Olympic and world championship medals in canoeing, and we have an equally proud tradition of staging major canoeing events.
“In 2013, Denmark hosted the ICF worlds in the marathon distance, in 2015 an ICF world cup in sprint, and in the pipeline we have European and worlds canoe marathon.”
