The canoeing competition at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games has been a tremendous success which has showcased the breadth and depth of the sport around the world, according to International Canoe Federation President Jose Perurena.
The medals during the four days of competition were shared among athletes from every continent, and nine countries made their YOG canoeing debut in Buenos Aires.
“To watch these 15 and 16-year-old athletes from all over the world competing here in Buenos Aires in front of capacity crowds has been a great thrill for our sport,” Mr Perurena said.
“And to see medals shared around the globe, from Africa, Asia, Oceania, South America and Europe, proves that our sport really is worldwide.”
Mr Perurena also praised the ICF’s Talent Identification Program (TIP), which identified athletes in countries where canoeing was in its infancy, and prepared them for top-level competition.
One of those athletes, Terence Saramandif from Mauritius, won gold in the men’s canoe obstacle slalom.
“Our TIP has been working with athletes all over the world, and many of them were competing here in Argentina,” Mr Perurena said.
“This is a magnificent endorsement of the development program. And the best is yet to come. In Tokyo in 2020 we will be sure to see more graduates from the TIP.”
A total of 16 countries won medals during the Youth Olympic Games, including athletes from Chinese Taipei, Argentina, China, Uzbekistan, Mexico, Kazakhstan and New Zealand.
There were also medals for the traditionally stronger nations, including Hungary, Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia and France.
Hungary was the only country to win two gold medals, with the other golds going to Slovenia, Slovakia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, France and Mauritius.
Mr Perurena said the results in Buenos Aires are a great reward for those in the sport who have worked tirelessly to foster the growth of canoeing.
“The ICF has made it a priority to continue the growth of canoeing around the world,” the President said.
“We can see in the Continental Championships the numbers are growing all the time, and the quality of athlete is improving quickly. We have seen that backed up by the results here at the Youth Olympic Games.
“The YOG competition is a unique format, challenging athletes to strengthen both their sprint and slalom skills. The athletes loved it, the crowds loved it – well done to everyone involved.”
