The 'City of Lakes' is ready to welcome the world's top young paddlers as the International Canoe Federation Junior and U23 Canoe Sprint World Championships arrive in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Held on the historic waters of Lake Banook from July 1 to 5, the championships will feature 188 races across five action-packed days of competition.
There will be 44 medal events on the programme, with 22 in junior and 22 in U23.
A total of 642 athletes from 54 countries will take to the water, including a 41-strong Canadian team eager to shine in front of a home crowd.
Among the host nation's biggest hopes is reigning junior world champion Isabel Lowry.
The 18-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough performance at last year's Junior Canoe Sprint World Championships in Montemor-o-Velho, winning three canoe gold medals.
The Ontario native now returns looking to defend the women’s C1 200m and women’s C4 500m crowns.
Toshka Besharah is another title contender for Canada as she bids to retain her women’s U23 kayak single 200m crown.
The international field is also packed with emerging talent.
Italy's Sofia Zucca and Hungary's David Zsombor Barna are among the leading European contenders expected to make their mark in Halifax.
Barna arrives as the reigning men's junior C1 200m world champion after claiming gold in Portugal and will be aiming to replicate that success in Canada.
Other athletes to watch include Brazil's 17-year-old Lucas Santos, Australia's Pierre van der Westhuyzen and AIN's Ivan Nekrasov.
Van der Westhuyzen already boasts experience at the sport's highest level.
The Australian claimed Olympic silver in the men's kayak four 500m at Paris 2024 at just 20 years of age and has tasted success on the ICF Canoe Sprint World Cup circuit this season.
He will be hoping that experience gives him an edge as he returns to international competition in Halifax.
The championships will showcase the sport's next generation, with four athletes born in 2011 set to compete.
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