The 2023 ICF season to feature global competitions and Paris Olympic qualifications

A landmark year for paddle sports

The International Canoe Federation (ICF) is gearing up for an extraordinary 2023 season, packed with crucial qualification opportunities for the upcoming Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games. This year's calendar boasts an impressive twelve world championships, set to highlight paddle sports across diverse global venues.

Global reach and key events

Major ICF world title competitions will span continents, with events scheduled in Asia, Oceania, North America, and Europe, underscoring the sport's widespread appeal. In addition to these championships, a series of world cups and continental championships will further enrich a busy schedule, attracting the world's elite athletes.

• Olympic and Paralympic qualification begins: The journey to Paris for canoe sprint and paracanoe athletes commences at the ICF world championships in Duisburg, Germany, in August, where initial quotas will be allocated.
• Slalom and Kayak Cross pathways: Canoe slalom competitors will have their first chance to secure federation berths at the ICF world championships in Lee Valley, London, during September. Kayak cross athletes will also gain clarity on their qualification routes following the Lee Valley events.

Spotlight on rising stars and diverse disciplines

The season will also celebrate emerging talent, with junior and U23 world titles up for grabs:

• Young canoe sprint paddlers will vie for world honors at the new Auronzo venue in Italy.
• Junior and U23 canoe slalom athletes will compete for gold in Krakow, Poland.

The year's first ICF world titles will be contested by wildwater sprint athletes in early June, navigating the challenging Ice Channel in Augsburg, Germany—a historic venue from the 1972 Munich Olympics.

Further highlights include canoe sprint and canoe slalom events as part of the 2023 European Games in Krakow in June.

A packed...

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