ICF Paracanoe Committee activities

The Paracanoe competition at the Paralympic Games in Paris was the culmination of many years of planning and activity not only be the ICF Paracanoe Committee but also by many National Federations and National Paralympic Committees.

Broadly speaking, it was a success from many angles. Firstly, it was the first time there were 10 events with 100 athletes since the IPC added an additional event. Secondly, 30 nations were represented, two more than in Tokyo. Lastly, all continents earned medals for the first time.  Notably, all of these achievements take years of work to achieve by many people and teams.

The achievement of African nations was history making.  Two athletes earned a place in the men’s KL3 Final with Edmund Sanka of Senegal placing fifth and Brahim Guendouz of Algeria grabbing the gold medal.  Hopefully, this is the beginning of a trend into the future.

Nations achieving medals for the first time were New Zealand, Canada and, of course, Algeria.  Great Britain topped the medal table with eight, having also finished first in the standings in Rio and Tokyo. Brazil (4), Australia (3), Germany (3), Ukraine (3) and France (2) were multiple medal winners.  Chile, China, Hungary and the United States all earned a medal each.  In total 13 nations from the 30 participating nations earned podium finishes.

Finally, the programme organised by Paris 2024 for the spectators was excellent, creative and kept the audience engaged in the competition.  We are looking forward to LA28 with anticipation.

By John Edwards, Chair of the ICF Paracanoe Committee