CKC Announces 2026 Canoe Slalom Teams

Posted on: May 28, 2026

Canoe Kayak Canada is proud to announce the athletes nominated to represent Canada in the 2026 international canoe slalom season. Selections were made based on the approved criteria following the Minden Team Trials, held May 8–10 at the Whitewater Ontario Minden Whitewater Preserve. 

This year’s team reflects the depth, determination, and momentum building across Canadian slalom. CKC is thrilled to see so many emerging athletes earn opportunities on the international stage after delivering strong performances in demanding high-water conditions in Minden. Their resilience, composure, and competitive spirit set an exciting tone for the season ahead. 

For the senior team, the opening three World Cups will provide a valuable opportunity to sharpen performances ahead of a pivotal stretch in the international calendar. Later in the season, the ICF will begin the global qualification process for the LA 2028 Olympic cycle at the Oklahoma City World Championships and World Cups 4 and 5, where Canadian athletes will be aiming to deliver their best performances of the year. 

The Junior and U23 World Championships will take place in Krakow, a familiar venue that has hosted several editions of this event and one where many Canadian athletes already have valuable experience. The team is eager to compete at a high level, with several returning athletes building on strong performances from the 2025 Junior and U23 World Championships in Foix last summer. 

CKC is also excited to launch the Slalom Academy project, designed to give the next generation of international athletes meaningful training and competition opportunities in Europe. Athletes in the Academy project will attend European Canoe Association Junior Slalom Cup races in Augsburg and Krakow as part of a pathway program that aims to support athletes’ transition from provincial programs to international competition. 

 

WORLD CUP 1 – TACEN, SLOVENIA 

Athlete  Province  Events 
Léa BALDONI  ON  K1 
Daniel PARRY  ON  K1, C1, Kayak Cross 
Martin THOMAS    C1 

 

WORLD CUP 2 – PRAGUE, CZECHIA 

Athlete  Province  Events 
Alex BALDONI  ON  K1, C1, Kayak Cross 
Lois BETTERIDGE  ON  K1, C1, Kayak Cross 
Léa BALDONI  ON  K1, Kayak Cross 
Béatrice OLSON  ON  K1, Kayak Cross 
Mael RIVARD  ON  K1, Kayak Cross 
Michal SMIESKO  BC  K1 
Martin THOMAS    C1 
Isaac ZIMMERMAN  ON  C1, Kayak Cross 

 

WORLD CUP 3 – AUGSBURG 

Athlete  Province  Events 
Alex BALDONI  ON  K1, C1, Kayak Cross 
Lois BETTERIDGE  ON  K1, C1, Kayak Cross 
Béatrice OLSON  ON  K1, Kayak Cross 
Daniel PARRY  ON  C1, Kayak Cross 
Mael RIVARD  ON  K1 
Michal SMIESKO  BC  K1 
Isaac ZIMMERMAN  ON  C1, Kayak Cross 

 

U23 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS – KRAKOW, POLAND 

Athlete  Province  Events 
Alex BALDONI  ON  K1, C1, Kayak Cross 
Béatrice OLSON  ON  K1, Kayak Cross 
Daniel PARRY  ON  C1, Kayak Cross 
Isaac ZIMMERMAN  ON  C1, Kayak Cross 

 

JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS – KRAKOW, POLAND 

Athlete  Province  Events 
Paige CARTWRIGHT  ON  K1 
Aster CUDDIHY  ON  K1, Kayak Cross 
Ty GEVAERT  ON  K1, C1, Kayak Cross 
Ryker HARRIS  ON  C1, Kayak Cross 
George NOR  ON  K1, C1, Kayak Cross 
Michal SMIESKO  BC  C1, Kayak Cross 
Sarah WHALEN  AB  Kayak Cross 
Paige ZIMMERMAN  ON  K1, C1, Kayak Cross 

 

ECA SLALOM RACES – AUGSBURG, GERMANY AND KRAKOW, POLAND 

Athlete  Province  Events 
Josephine CAMERON  AB  K1, Kayak Cross 
Cierra CARTWRIGHT  ON  K1, Kayak Cross 
Cadence COWARD  AB  K1, Kayak Cross 
Talia COWARD  AB  K1, Kayak Cross 
Isaac CRAWFORD  AB  K1, Kayak Cross 
Josh GEVAERT  ON  K1, Kayak Cross 
Jory GUPTILL  ON  K1, Kayak Cross 
Daniel MEISENHEIMER  ON  K1, Kayak Cross 
Hannah NOR  ON  K1, Kayak Cross 
Sabastian PEACE  ON  K1, Kayak Cross