BC Athletes Shine at CKC Sprint Nationals Championships
This past weekend, the 2024 CKC Sprint Nationals Championships in Welland, Ontario, was nothing short of spectacular for British Columbia's athletes. Our paddlers left an indelible mark on the national stage, showcasing their incredible talent, dedication, and drive. BC's presence was undeniable, with a stunning total of 65 Top 9 finishes across various events, highlighting our province's strength and depth in the sport.
A Dominant Performance
BC athletes raced their hearts out, and the results speak for themselves. Our paddlers secured an impressive 10 gold medals, 12 silver medals, and 7 bronze medals, along with a host of other top-tier finishes:
- 1st Place: 10 finishes
- 2nd Place: 12 finishes
- 3rd Place: 7 finishes
- 4th Place: 6 finishes
- 5th Place: 8 finishes
- 6th Place: 4 finishes
- 7th Place: 6 finishes
- 8th Place: 7 finishes
- 9th Place: 5 finishes
Top 9 Breakdown By BC Club:
- Burnaby Canoe and Kayak Club - 7 finishes
- Fort Canoe and Kayak Club - 27 finishes
- False Creek Sprint Canoe Club - 42 finishes
- Kamloops Canoe and Kayak Club - 24 finishes
- Ridge Canoe and Kayak Club - 5 finishes
*Based on seats in the Top 9 finishing crew.
This remarkable haul not only highlights the talent within our province but also underscores the hard work of athletes, coaches, and clubs across BC. Each race was a testament to the passion and commitment that our paddlers bring to the sport.
BC's Talent Continues to Rise
The CKC Sprint Nationals showcased the rising stars from BC, reaffirming our province's status as a growing powerhouse in Canadian sprint canoe and kayak racing. The athletes' exceptional performances are a reflection of the ongoing development and support within our local clubs, as well as the strong community of paddling enthusiasts across BC.
BC Athletes Selected to Represent Canada
We are incredibly proud to celebrate the achievements of three athletes from the Kamloops Canoe & Kayak Club who have earned the opportunity to represent Canada on the international stage. Harris Hunter has been selected to compete at the 2024 Canoe Sprint Olympic Hopes Regatta in Szeged, Hungary, from September 19-22. This is a tremendous honour and a true testament to the dedication, skill, and hard work of Harris and his long-time coach, Stan Marek. We look forward to cheering Harris on as he competes against the world's top young paddlers.
In addition, two more of our talented Kamloops paddlers, Mischa Grover and Nate Neuls, will be proudly wearing the Maple Leaf at the Marathon World Championships in Metkovic, Croatia, also taking place from September 19-22, 2024. Their selection is a reflection of their relentless effort and passion for the sport.
These achievements underscore the depth of talent within our club and province, and we wish all of our athletes the very best as they take on the world’s best in these prestigious competitions
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate the outstanding achievements at the CKC Sprint Nationals, we are more excited than ever about the future of canoe and kayak racing in BC. The talent emerging from our province is remarkable, and we are confident that BC will continue to be a dominant force on the national and international stage for years to come.
Congratulations to all the athletes, coaches, volunteers, and supporters who made this year's Nationals a success. Your dedication and passion for the sport are what drive BC's success, and we can't wait to see what the future holds.
Stay Connected
Stay tuned for more updates and news as we continue to celebrate BC's paddling community and cheer on our athletes in their upcoming competitions.
Paddle on, BC!
