Deodoro Whitewater Stadium, where dreams came true, hearts were broken and legends were made at the 2016 Rio Olympics, is back in action and ready to host the biggest event on the 2018 canoe slalom calendar.

For months after the Rio Olympics the purpose-built venue lay dormant, prompting stories it had been overrun by crocodiles and cobwebs, with some fearing water might never tumble down the course again.

But reports of the death of Deodoro Whitewater Stadium turned out to be greatly exaggerated; the venue has been humming with activity for several months now and athletes have been enjoying training on one of the best courses in the world.

In late September the world’s best slalom athletes, including many who captured Olympic glory in 2016, will return to the emotion-soaked venue for the 2018 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships.

Athletes who can’t wait that long to return to the scene of their glory, or their disappointment, will get the chance to test the water once again in March, when the Brazil Canoe Federation hosts the 2018 Rio Open.

One week later Brazil will also host the Foz Open at Foz do Iguacu.

MAJOR CANOE SLALOM EVENTS IN BRAZIL IN 2018

Rio Open – Radical Park and Canoe Slalom Course (Deodoro) – March 23-25

Foz Open – Foz do Iguacu – March 29-31

ICF World Championships – Radical Park and Canoe Slalom Course – September 25-30

All Federations interested in competing at the Rio and Foz Opens, or wanting more information, are urged to contact the Brazil Canoe Federation at eventscanoeslalom@canoagem.org.br