RACICE, CZECH REPUBLIC (17 September 2017) – The last day of competitions of the Olympic Hopes Regatta took place on Sunday in Racice, Czech Republic. Forty Canadian athletes competed in this international competition where 33 different countries were represented.

“The level of competition at this regatta goes up every year, this competition is now the equivalent of a World Championships for these age groups,” said the Canadian team chief technical officer, Graham Barton, at the end of day on Sunday. “Our athletes have performed very well and now know the level required here against the strongest nations like Germany, Hungary or Poland. It will take a lot of work and collaboration, but I believe that as a nation we have the talent, “he added.

On the last day of the competition, the athletes competed on the distance of 200 meters. 12 Canadian crews made it to the finals, but the only medal of the day was won once again in the women’s canoe. Sloan Mackenzie of Nova Scotia (Cheema) grabbed the bronze medal in the C1 200m 2002 age category.

Overall, during this competition, the Canadian team will have won 5 bronze medals, 3 silvers and 1 gold. These excellent results show the athletes’ hard work throughout the season.

They will have to train more to continue performing internationally. The junior canoe kayak team will soon be participating in the Pan American Championships, to be held from 12 to 15 October in Ecuador.

To see all the results of the Olympic Hopes Regatta, go to the website of the event. You can also find Saturday and Sunday’s races online on Canoe Kayak Canada’s YouTube channel.

About Canoe Kayak Canada

Canoe Kayak Canada is the national governing body for competitive paddling in Canada, one of Canada’s top performing summer sports with a total of 24 Olympic medals, and a leader in the Paralympic movement. Canoe Kayak Canada is a member-based organization that includes an intricate network of clubs as well as provincial, territorial and divisional paddling associations. Elite National Team athletes proudly represent Canada at various competitions around the globe – most notably the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, Pan American Games, ICF World Cups as well as Junior, Under 23 and Senior World Championships. Follow Canoe Kayak Canada on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

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For more information :
Joannie Verret
Communications Coordinator
jverret@canoekayak.ca
(418) 271-3785