Montgomery, AL -
Montgomery Whitewater will host the
2026 ICF Canoe Slalom World Ranking Spring Races this weekend, bringing nearly 100 elite canoe slalom athletes from around the world to compete on its Olympic standard competition channel.
The event will gather an extraordinary field of talent, including both national and international Olympic athletes, Team USA competitors, and rising paddlers who represent the next generation of Olympic hopefuls. These athletes are competing for valuable world ranking points as they continue preparing for the road to the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
Among the competitors is Evy Leibfarth, a two time Olympian who earned a bronze medal in the C1 event at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, and 4-time Olympic athlete, Casey Eichfeld. Athletes from across the United States will compete alongside international competitors from Canada, Brazil, Italy, Australia, South America, and additional countries, making this one of the most competitive canoe slalom events held in North America this season.
Spectators will have the opportunity to watch some of the world’s best paddlers navigate Montgomery Whitewater’s Olympic standard competition channel in a fast paced and highly technical race environment. Events take place throughout the weekend, with multiple opportunities to see athletes tackle powerful rapids, tight gates, and dynamic course features up close from several viewing areas around the venue. Saturday’s Kayak Cross competition is especially exciting for spectators, as four athletes race head to head down the channel at the same time, battling through whitewater, gates, and contact with one another in one of the sport’s newest and most action packed Olympic disciplines.
This event marks the fourth international race hosted at Montgomery Whitewater since the park opened in July 2023. Over a two-week period, elite athletes from around the globe have been training and competing at the venue. The ability to bring together this level of international competition highlights Montgomery Whitewater’s growing reputation as one of the world’s premier whitewater training and competition venues.
By attracting world class athletes, coaches, and international visitors, events like the ICF Canoe Slalom World Ranking Spring Races continue to place Montgomery, Alabama on the international stage while generating tourism and economic impact for the River Region.
WHAT: 2026 ICF Canoe Slalom World Ranking Spring Races
WHEN: Friday, March 13th
Canoe Slalom - 10:00 to 5:00
Saturday, March 14th
Kayak Cross - 9:30 to 5:00
Sunday, March 15th
Canoe Slalom USA Team Selection - 9:00 to 12:30
WHERE: Montgomery Whitewater
1100 Maxwell Blvd
Montgomery, Alabama
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:
- Interviews with Olympians, international athletes, and Team USA competitors
- Action footage of elite canoe slalom competition
- Interviews with athletes and coaches preparing for the 2028 Olympic cycle
Athlete and coach interview opportunities will be available Thursday, March 12. Media interested in scheduling an interview time should contact Megan McKenzie at
megan@montgomerywhitewater.com or 334.221.0408. In-person, telephone, and virtual interviews are all available.
MEDIA CONTACT: Megan McKenzie, Montgomery Whitewater
megan@montgomerywhitewater.com
334.221.0408
