A world away from the dizzy heights of starring on the global stage in Italy, Uganda’s Musa Bangire is back paddling down the River Nile.
Almost one month has passed since Milan hosted the International Canoe Federation Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe World Championships.
However, Bangire is among the athletes who are ensuring the legacy lives on by inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.
“It was amazing to be at the World Championships, and I promise to do better and better,” said Bangire.
“I usually paddle down the River Nile, so when I reached Milan and saw this calm water, I knew I could manage it.
“The Nile runs at high speed, whereas the water in Milan was so flat and calm.
“I would love to compete at the World Championships again, and I emphasise to my friends in my country to do more training so they can participate in the future too.
“Now I know what is needed for the World Championships, I can tell others when I’m in Uganda.”
Eldrik Dailoo is another paddler who is looking to blaze a trail for Canoe Sprint in his country, as he represented Seychelles with pride at the World Championships.
“We don’t have many athletes back home, so for me to be competing at the World Championships is really important,” said the 18-year-old.
Bangire and Dailoo formed part of the ICF’s Talent Identification Programme (TIP) in Milan as paddlers from developing nations got the opportunity to make their mark.
Dailloo said he felt like he had been “adopted” after being welcomed by the ICF development team and fellow athletes.
“To see the number of athletes in Milan was really fantastic,” added Dailoo.
“Since it was my first international competition , it’s amazing and helped me a lot.
“I am improving faster than I thought.”
Bolivia’s Sergio Daniel Velasquez Farfan also felt right at home as he made his World Championships debut in the Italian city.
“I am very happy to have this experience and everything that I have learned, not only from the races but the chance to meet other athletes,” said Velasquez Farfan.
“I have been getting support from the coaches in the camp, and everybody is like a family member to me.
“It’s a joy because of the friendships formed and the commitment that everybody is putting into the competition.”
ICF Vice President Cecilia Farias hailed the success of the TIP camp in Milan as more nations got the chance to be represented at the World Championships.
“It is always a great joy to see the smiles on the faces of the development athletes after getting the chance to showcase their skills,” said Dr Farias.
“We must continue to work hard with the National Federation to promote the development of our sport and ensure gender parity in participation numbers at the World Championships and across the board.
“There are so many talented young female paddlers and coaches out there that can make a big impact when given a chance, as we saw in Milan.”
Great strides were made on and off the water from participants of the development camp as the TIP proved a big success once again.
Several of those paddlers reached semi-finals and final B including Colombia’s Alejandro Rodriguez in the men’s canoe single 200m, compatriots Madison Ibeht Velasquez Lopez and Manuela Gomez Sanchez in the women’s canoe double 500, refugee athlete Saman Soltani in the women’s kayak single 1000m and Lali Herlin in the women’s C1 500m and in the women’s C2 500m alongside Sella Monim.
Rodriquez and Daniel Pacheco also featured for Colombia in the final B of the men’s C2 500m and raced in the men’s C1 5000m.
“My experience at the TIP camp in Milan was absolutely incredible and highly valuable and helpful for my development as a paddler,” said India’s Samara Antony Chacko.
“Being surrounded by world-class coaches and athletes pushed me beyond my limits and opened my eyes to new training methods, technical insights, and tactical approaches that I hadn’t been exposed to before.
“The level of expertise and the structured environment helped me understand the small but crucial details that make a big difference at the international level.
“TIP camps are extremely important in my development because they offer the opportunity to learn from top coaches and to train in a highly competitive yet supportive atmosphere.
“These camps allow me to focus deeply on refining my technique, improving my power output, and developing race strategies in a way that regular training at home doesn’t fully provide.
“It’s also a great chance to benchmark myself against other talented paddlers and to raise my performance mindset to the next level.
“Overall, TIP camps are a key part of my preparation and development as I aim to reach higher performance goals and represent my country at the highest level of competition.”
Illiya Nadernejad was delighted to be back competing against the best in the world after his decision to flee Iran and seek refuge in Germany.
The 22-year-old is now participating as an ICF refugee athlete as he sets his sights on featuring at the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028.
“I really enjoy being part of the TIP camp because it allows me to train and spend time with athletes from all over the world,” said Nadernejad.
“It is a great opportunity to learn from others, to exchange experiences, and to grow both as a person and as an athlete.
“Competing at the World Championships is very motivating, as I can test myself against the best and gain valuable experience for my future.
“Being part of such a camp gives me new motivation and shows me what is possible if I keep working hard.”
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