Kayak cross looks set to wow audiences at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games after making its successful debut at Paris 2024.
Karl Stross, Chair of the International Olympic Committee Olympic Programme Commission, said he was looking forward to continuing the “success story” of the event at the Games in four years’ time.
Kayak cross has come a long way since it was first introduced on the International Canoe Federation Canoe Slalom World Cup circuit as an invitational event in 2015.
It made its debut as a medal event at the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships in 2017 before being added to the Olympic programme.
Mr Stross spoke to the ICF during his visit to the Vaires-sur-Marne National Stadium on August 5 when kayak cross medals were awarded for the first time in Olympic history.
Fans packed the stands as paddlers slid of the start ramp and crashed onto the water as one before they battled it out for glory.
Australia’s Noemie Fox and New Zealand’s Finn Butcher became the first-ever Olympic champions in kayak cross as the event proved to be a huge hit among athletes and spectators.
“The atmosphere here is great and the mood among the public is exceptional,” said Mr Stross.
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“We are very happy to bring this sport so close to the people and the spectators which is an important thing.
“It is a kind of fight on the water and a fight with yourself to get the best line so it is very interesting for the spectators as well.”
Mr Stross said he was excited by the future of kayak cross and the accessibility of the sport to people watching to take up paddling.
“We always think about what is the best one for the spectators and best one for the people watching on TV,” said Mr Stross.
“For that reason, we are always looking for something innovative.
“We are looking forward to bring maybe a new format or the same format at LA28 so we can continue this success story for canoe sport.
“The idea is that it is very interesting to see the use of a normal boat – you can buy this for yourself,” said Mr Stross.
“It is good to show people that you can do something with a boat you can buy from everywhere and you can do it by yourself.”
Mr Stross also praised the ICF for being innovative in a bid to continue to improve their product on the big stage.
“There has been a strong move over the past few years and this is important to never stand still and to show all the sports family and Olympic Movement how you can improve your sport,” added Mr Stross.
“I think this is necessary for all of the sports and canoeing is showing us in which direction it will go.”
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