OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – After months of preparation, the Olympic Trials began Friday morning at RiverSport OKC.
“I think this should be a proud moment for everyone,” said River Sports Executive Director Michael Knopp.
The first event was the canoe/kayak slalom qualifying. In this event, athletes race against the clock as they pass through countless gates on a 1,000-foot-long course.
“We're just here to enjoy the whitewater and the great athletes and see who will represent America this summer,” Lester Cowden said.
Courtney Horner traveled all the way from Pennsylvania to support her boyfriend, Ethan, who has been honing his craft since 2008.
“I feel an overwhelming sense of pride and excitement,” Horner said. “It's amazing. I love the course, the whitewater course, and the speed of it and all the rapids, and it's amazing…I want it pretty bad. He deserves it.”
Here's the schedule for the rest of the weekend:
- 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Canoe Slalom Final
- 4:30pm – 7:00pm Kayak Cross Contest and Finals
- 7:00pm – 9:00pm Team USA Announcement Ceremony
“The fact that we're known worldwide for this, I think anyone, whether they're a kayaker or not, can come and appreciate this and enjoy it,” Knopf said. Told.
Attendees can watch the event for free in the free viewing area or pay for Prime viewing and VIP hospitality. Parking fee is $10.
For more information, visit riversportokc.org/events.
