Paddle UK chief hails GBK LA28 qualification

Paddle UK performance director Tom Duggan said he was proud of the British team after starting their Olympic qualification campaign with third place on the medal table at the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships in Oklahoma City.

Sam Lever won the team’s sixth medal, including a kayak cross bronze, and his first world championship at senior level, at the venue used for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

GB’s other medals have arrived Joe Clark’s gold In the men’s kayak cross, the men’s team won the canoe team world title, Adam Burgess silver in the men’s canoe final, Lois Lever – sister of Sam Lever – won bronze in the women’s kayak cross individual and Kimberley Woods won the women’s kayak bronze.

“I’m really pleased with the performance we put in this week. It’s been a really good start to the Olympic qualification system,” said Duggan after GB finished behind the Czech Republic and Australia.

“It’s the first race of nine for the rankings but it’s really important that we get some performances in what will be an Olympic venue as we build confidence and momentum.

“The conditions were really tough in terms of temperatures for the athletes and coaches to contend with, but it gave us a taste of what to expect in 2028.

“I’m extremely proud of how everyone, athletes and coaches, came together to deliver our performance.”