At just 20 years old, North Carolina native and U.S. Kayak Team member Ebby Leibfurth is already something of an Olympic veteran. She will compete in her second match this summer in Paris.
Leibfalz said representing her country on the world stage is “all about teamwork and the culmination of the dreams that got me here.” “Team USA is full of amazing, talented and extremely passionate athletes, and just being a part of that is so exciting for me.”
At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, she placed 18th and 12th in the kayak and canoe slalom events. Leibfirth says the experience was “a dream come true.”
But her Olympic journey began much earlier.
She started competing internationally at the age of 12, but her connection to water goes back even further. Her mother is a paddling instructor and her father is a former slalom racer.
“It was really special knowing that I got to this point with the help of my family and friends.”
Leibfart's support network extends beyond his family and teammates.she is one of over 800 Red Bull Athletea program aimed at promoting and sponsoring athletes from all walks of life.
“I have a really great staff behind me, including nutritionists and physiologists and everything else I need to help me get to where I want to be,” Leibfurth said. “And the team of athletes, it’s really inspiring to be here.”
But ultimately, Leibfurth reminds athletes that their most important teammate is themselves.
“Don't compare yourself to other athletes or people,” she continued. “It’s so important to find your own path and bring that passion and drive to the game while maintaining everything that makes you who you are.”
This year, that passion will guide Leibphalt to compete in the kayak and canoe slalom competitions at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Despite her success, experience and wisdom she has achieved, Liebfurth believes this is still just the beginning of her story.
“I still have many years ahead of me. Even if it's only my second game, I know it's only the beginning right now, and it's crazy,” Leibfirth said. “I know I still have a lot to learn, a lot to try, and many more years ahead of me.”
Watch the second live Falto match of the summer at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
