Memories of the world’s best slalom paddlers starring in Sydney, Australia, remain strong – but the focus has now shifted to the United States to see what Oklahoma City can deliver in 2026.
Barely a week has passed since the 2025 International Canoe Federation Slalom World Championships came to a close in Sydney after six days of pulsating action.
But just as one Host Organising Committee is reflecting on a job well done, another is putting big plans in place for the next World Championships.
The baton has officially been passed to Oklahoma City after receiving the ICF flag from Sydney at the Closing Ceremony last Saturday.
Mike Knopp, Chair of the Oklahoma City 2026 Organising Committee, was in attendance in Sydney looking to gain as much knowledge as possible as his team prepares for the next edition.
“It's been an amazing experience,” said Knopp.
“Being here for the 25th anniversary of the Olympic Games and seeing how the World Championships has been integrated into that has been really inspiring.
“It’s a beautiful venue so to see it being put into action 25 years after the Olympic Games has been great.
“It gives me great confidence and excitement about what we’re about to embark on in Oklahoma City.
“This just underscores the long-term legacy of the venue and what the Olympic Movement can do for your city and your community.”
The Whitewater Center in Oklahoma City will stage the Canoe Slalom competition during the Olympic Games, like the Penrith Whitewater Stadium did so successfully 25 years ago.
Before hosting Olympic action in 2028, the venue will hold the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships from July 20 to 25, 2026.
Preparations are already ramping up in Oklahoma City as it looks set to welcome paddlers and fans from across the world.
“We’ve got a great team in Oklahoma City,” said Knopp.
“We've engaged with a lot of people from across our arts and sports communities.
“All of these people are coming together because of the importance of this event.
“We’re going to make really exciting upgrades over the winter.
“We’re working on a new integration of blocks into our canals and we’re going to make nice improvements to the kayak cross ramp.
“This is phase one for the World Championships and then we will make additional improvements before the Olympic Games.
“These improvements are being done to support the legacy of the venue and were going to be completed regardless of the Olympics or the World Championships.
“They will be fantastic enhancements to the venue to enhance the experience for guests as well as athletes.”
Oklahoma City is steeped in Native American culture with the world-renowned First Americans Museum located less than a mile to the east on the Oklahoma River.
Knopp said he was impressed by how the organisers in Sydney paid their respects to the Ingenious community and plans to ensure First Americans are central to the success of next year’s World Championships.
With three years to go until the Olympic Games, Knopp said he also wants Oklahoma City to become a “home” for athletes.
“When they come for an event or training, they're going to feel very welcome,” said Knopp.
“What's unique about our venue is that it's urban.
“You’re in a downtown environment, so you can walk into our entertainment district.
“It will add a lot of energy to the event.
“We're just looking forward to people coming to Oklahoma for the first time.
“Our first focus is having a great World Championships and then the second is to set the stage for the Olympic Games.”
Knopp is also determined to educate the local community about Canoe Slalom as excitement grows for LA28.
“The World Championships is the biggest event in the sport outside the Olympic Games, and it is going to be in Oklahoma City,” said Knopp.
“People are really excited about the international nature of the competition and welcoming so many people from around the world.
“Being in Oklahoma City, we're only three hours away from Dallas Fort Worth, which is over eight million people in that metro area.
“Canoe Slalom is bringing the Olympic Games to Middle America.
“You’re going to have so much attention from people that want to be a part of the Olympics who are going to be exposed to Canoe Slalom.
“We're really taking that to heart and want to make the World Championships as big as it can be as the first step towards the Olympic Games.
“In America, we have got more people that are recreational paddlers than anywhere else.
“We’re putting in a big effort on trying to connect the dots between recreational users to followers of our Olympians.
“We feel the World Championships is going to be a good step in that direction.”
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