Slovakia’s double Olympic champion Michal Martikan and Czechia’s two-time world medallist Amalie Hilgertova have been elected to the International Canoe Federation Athletes’ Committee for 2025-2029.
Voting for the Canoe Slalom representatives took place during the ICF Slalom World Championships in Sydney, Australia.
Hilgertova secured 64.81% of the votes to beat Australia’s reigning Olympic kayak cross champion Noemie Fox.
The 28-year-old is a multiple junior and U23 world champion who earned kayak silver at the Youth Olympic Games Nanjing 2014.
During her senior career to date, Hilgertova has picked up two world medals including 2019 K1 teams silver in 2019 and kayak cross bronze in 2017 and was crowned European champion in K1 in 2019.
“I am really surprised as I was expecting Noemie to be the obvious choice for everyone, said Hilgertova.
“It’s definitely a nice feeling knowing that the athletes trust me with this.
“I am hoping to achieve better flow of information from ICF towards the athletes, push to make decisions from ICF more transparent for the athletes and try to create an environment where athletes want to be more proactive.
“I really loved the workshop that was held before the race here in Penrith and I believe events like this can motivate athletes to contribute more.”
Martikan has been elected to the ICF Athletes’ Committee with 100% of the votes after standing unopposed.
The Slovak star is one of Canoe Slalom’s greatest paddlers and is still competing at the highest level in the canoe at the age of 46.
During his glittering career, Martikan has won five Olympic medals including golds at Atlanta 1996 and Beijing 2008, silvers at Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004, and bronze at London 2012. He has also won 15 world titles.
In Sydney, Martikan featured at the World Championships – 30 years after making his debut – and reached the men’s C1 final.
“There are a lot of things I would like to change but you need to make compromises,” said Martikan.
“This sport has great potential. It is one of the most beautiful sports in the world and I’m sure spectators will feel the same.
“There are many different opinions around the water, so I will try to do my best as always.
“Maybe some things will change, maybe not, but for sure I'm old enough to give it a go.”
Martikan and Hilgertova join Katie Vincent of Canada, Sebastian Brendel of Germany, Emma Wiggs of Great Britain, and Eslam Jahedi of Iran on the ICF Athletes’ Committee.
Vincent, Brendel, Wiggs and Jahedi were elected at the conclusion of the ICF Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe World Championships in Milan, Italy in August.
This month, the ICF Board of Directors will meet to confirm the final two members from the non-Olympic disciplines after recommendations by the other six elected representatives.
After this, a meeting will be held where the eight-member Athletes’ Committee will elect their own Committee Chair, who will have a place on the ICF Executive Committee and Board of Directors.
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