Canoe Slalom

History

Canoe slalom came about in 1932, inspired by ski events. It took some time for the sport – where the athlete rows in a canoe or kayak on a (natural or artificial) white water course, outlined by beacons, in the shortest amount of time possible, without incurring penalties – to develop because of the Second World War, which started in 1939, six years after the first canoe slalom event was held in Switzerland.

Canoe slalom made its Olympic debut at the 1972 Games in Munich. However, after that it was not included in the Olympic programme between 1976 and 1988, making a return only at the 1992 Games in Barcelona. From then on, it has featured in all editions of the Olympics.

Curiosities

Golden brothers

The biggest Olympic medallists in history in the canoe slalom are brothers. Slovak athletes Peter and Pavol Hochschorner won the slalom C2 category at the Games in Sydney 2000, Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008. They also scooped up the bronze in London 2012. 

See also

Brazilian Canoe Confederation (CBCa)
Site: www.canoagem.org.br
E-mail: joao.tomasini@canoagem.org.br
International Canoe Federation (ICF): www.canoeicf.com