Tom Duggan, the performance director for Paddle UK, expressed his pride in the British team following a third-place finish in the medal standings at the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships in Oklahoma City. This event served as the initial phase of the Olympic qualification process for the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Sam Leaver secured his first senior-level medal by taking bronze in the kayak cross event at the same venue that will host the 2028 Olympics. Other notable contributions included Joe Clarke securing gold in the men’s kayak cross, a world title for the men’s canoe team, and a silver medal for Adam Burgess in the men’s canoe final. Additionally, Lois Leaver and Kimberley Woods both claimed bronze in their respective women’s kayak cross and kayak events.
Duggan noted that while this was only the first of nine ranking races, the results provide vital momentum. He acknowledged the challenging temperature conditions faced by the athletes and staff but praised the collective effort shown by the entire squad throughout the week.
