Top Canoe Slalom Athletes Train in OKC Before World Championship

RIVERSPORT hosts trial runs for international competitors ahead of major competition.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 4:58pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic motion and multiple perspectives of a canoe slalom competition, with overlapping planes of bright blues, greens, and whites.Oklahoma City's RIVERSPORT complex hosts top canoe slalom athletes for pre-championship training runs.Oklahoma City Today

Some of the world's top canoe slalom athletes were in Oklahoma City this week, testing out the waters at RIVERSPORT ahead of the upcoming Canoe Slalom World Championship. The athletes used the trial runs to prepare for the high-stakes international competition taking place in the city.

Why it matters

Oklahoma City has invested heavily in its RIVERSPORT outdoor recreation facilities, which include a world-class whitewater rafting and canoe slalom course. Hosting major international competitions like the Canoe Slalom World Championship helps raise the city's profile as an outdoor sports destination and showcase its facilities to a global audience.

The details

RIVERSPORT, Oklahoma City's premier outdoor recreation complex, hosted trial runs this week for athletes from around the world who will be competing in the Canoe Slalom World Championship. The athletes used the opportunity to get familiar with the whitewater course and make final preparations ahead of the high-stakes international competition.

  • The Canoe Slalom World Championship will take place in Oklahoma City from April 10-19, 2026.
  • This week's trial runs at RIVERSPORT were held from March 25-29, 2026.

The players

RIVERSPORT

Oklahoma City's premier outdoor recreation complex, featuring a world-class whitewater rafting and canoe slalom course.

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What they’re saying

“This is the perfect opportunity for our athletes to get a feel for the course and work out any last-minute kinks before the big competition.”

— Jenna Harrington, U.S. Canoe Slalom Team Coach

What’s next

The Canoe Slalom World Championship will take place at RIVERSPORT in Oklahoma City from April 10-19, 2026, drawing top athletes from around the world to compete.

The takeaway

Oklahoma City's investment in world-class outdoor recreation facilities like RIVERSPORT is paying off, as the city attracts major international sporting events that showcase its capabilities and draw visitors from around the globe.