COVID-19 doesn’t stop international canoeing competitions
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Kayak athlete Katerina Kudejova (Photo - Helmar Steindl)
AUSTRIA, September 30, 2020 - Given that canoeing is an outdoor sport, national teams were fortunate to be able to resume training this season without any great restrictions due to the pandemic. Following the decision to postpone the Olympics, their preparations will however continue for another year until 2021. Some athletes are even grateful to have more time to get ready for the Games. At a national level, many countries held competitions but the highlights for the sport’s elite are still the major international events. Luckily, the federations in Slovenia, Hungary, Czech Republic, Austria and Poland succeeded in hosting top-class international competitions while complying with coronavirus rules.
Canoe Slalom saw ten events this summer, including the ECA Junior Cup 2020, the U23 and Junior European Championships in Krakow/Poland and last but not least the European Championships in Prague/Czech Republic.
In Canoe Sprint the top athletes competed in the only 2020 World Cup race in Szeged/Hungary. Although there were no spectators, the organisers not only met Covid-19 regulations but also ensured excitement – as the pictures that went round the world showed.
Canoe slalom in the Czech Republic and canoe sprint in Hungary have been highly successful disciplines in these two countries for decades. It was therefore national pride that led them to bid for and host these events. The stage was set and it was then up to the athletes to put on a good performance.
In canoe slalom the Czech team did not disappoint, winning three out of four possible gold medals: Katerina Kudejova, Jiri Prskavec in kayak single (K1) and Gabriela Satkova in the new Olympic discipline women’s canoe single (C1) proved unbeatable on their home course.
It was the Hungarians that demonstrated their strength with various successes over many other top athletes in canoe sprint. The thrilling finish in K1 1000 between Portugal’s superstar Fernando Pimenta and Hungary’s Balint Kopasz was an indication of what is to come at the Olympics next year.
Whatever the results, the participants were all delighted to be able to match their skills again. The hopes for the Tokyo Games are very much alive.
Canoe Slalom saw ten events this summer, including the ECA Junior Cup 2020, the U23 and Junior European Championships in Krakow/Poland and last but not least the European Championships in Prague/Czech Republic.
In Canoe Sprint the top athletes competed in the only 2020 World Cup race in Szeged/Hungary. Although there were no spectators, the organisers not only met Covid-19 regulations but also ensured excitement – as the pictures that went round the world showed.
Canoe slalom in the Czech Republic and canoe sprint in Hungary have been highly successful disciplines in these two countries for decades. It was therefore national pride that led them to bid for and host these events. The stage was set and it was then up to the athletes to put on a good performance.
In canoe slalom the Czech team did not disappoint, winning three out of four possible gold medals: Katerina Kudejova, Jiri Prskavec in kayak single (K1) and Gabriela Satkova in the new Olympic discipline women’s canoe single (C1) proved unbeatable on their home course.
It was the Hungarians that demonstrated their strength with various successes over many other top athletes in canoe sprint. The thrilling finish in K1 1000 between Portugal’s superstar Fernando Pimenta and Hungary’s Balint Kopasz was an indication of what is to come at the Olympics next year.
Whatever the results, the participants were all delighted to be able to match their skills again. The hopes for the Tokyo Games are very much alive.
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