Olympic hopefuls will travel to Oklahoma City next month to compete for a spot on the U.S. team.
The Olympic Team Trials for paddle sports competitions will be a first for the city of Paris and will be the last stop before the 2024 Paris Games in July.
In April, athletes from across the country will show off their speed, agility and precision on the whitewater course at River Sports in Oklahoma City.
“They're going to see some really exciting racing happen,” said Mike Knopf, executive director of River Sports.
The race is for the Paris Olympics and will finish in Oklahoma City during the final Olympic trials on April 26th and 27th.
“We have one of the best venues of its kind in the world and it's a truly differentiated venue for Oklahoma City, which is why we're able to host a truly prestigious event like this.” said Knopp.
You can watch events such as canoe/kayak slalom for free. In this event, athletes compete for time through gates both downstream and upstream of the rapids. Kayak cross is a new addition to the Olympic Games and will make its debut in Paris. It involves kayakers starting side by side from a ramp 10 feet above the water and racing to the finish line.
“Contact is allowed because it has to avoid obstacles and roll through the water at certain points,” Knopp explained. “This is a very fast-paced and very exciting event.
The trial will put the city in the spotlight during a nationally televised event.
“People interested in paddle sports from across the country or around the world will have the opportunity to see our destination at its brightest,” said Adam Wisniewski, Visit OKC's vice president of sports development. ” he said. “It's exciting and speaks to the legitimacy and credibility of everything that's happening at River Sports OKC and what Oklahoma City is doing to emerge as a national presence in the world of paddle sports. I think that’s the case.”
This weekend is also River Sports' open week, so you can purchase rafting passes and enjoy other activities during your trial.
“We are currently preparing the course for the season, cleaning and setting up the course,” Knopf said. “Our blocks are movable, so depending on what the stakeholders want for the course, we can set up the blocks and be ready to go.”
The trial is open to the public and free to attend. Parking fee is $10. You can purchase VIP or premium seating for $20, or both for $40. Click here to purchase a pass: https://www.riversportokc.org/events/2024-olympic-team-trials/
The race begins on Friday, April 26th from 9am to 1:30pm and continues on Saturday, April 27th at 9am. The race ends at 7pm, followed by live music from the Jeremy Rowe Band and the announcement of the top performers. Olympic team competing in Paris. The climax of the evening is a fireworks show at the Whitewater Center.
Weekend activities will also include the Olympic Experience, a fan fest opportunity for youth and adults to experience Olympic sports such as indoor rowing and kayaking, climbing, gymnastics, climbing and esports. By completing all activities, children can win gold medals.
River Sports is looking for volunteers to help organize the event. To learn more about volunteer opportunities at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Canoe Slalom and Kayak Cross, register here: https://www.givepulse.com/event/412850-2024-ACA-Slalom-OLYMPIC- Team-Trials
Friday, April 26th
9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Canoe/Kayak Slalom Qualifier
10a – 1p Olympic Experience Olympic Experience Interactive Fun Zone
10am – 1pm OKC School Field Trip Day
Saturday, April 27th
Men's C1, Men's K1, Women's C1, Women's K1, Men's X1, Women's X1
11a – 6p Olympic Experience Interactive Fun Zone
9:00a – 1:30p Canoe/Kayak Slalom Finals 4:30p – 7:00p Kayak Cross Competition and Finals
7:00p – 9:00p TEAM USA Announcement Ceremony
