Alabama Will Host Canoe And Kayak Team Trials For 2024 Olympics This Spring

A whitewater park in Montgomery, Alabama is set to host the 2024 Canoe Slalom and Kayak Cross Olympic Team Trials in April.

According to a press release, the trials at Montgomery Whitewater Park on April 13 and 14 will be open to the public. A second selection event for the upcoming Summer Olympics in Paris will be hosted by RIVERSPORT in Oklahoma City on April 26-28.

This is the first time the American Canoe Association will hold these Olympic team trials in the state of Alabama. Montgomery Whitewater Park's Olympic-caliber whitewater course just opened in July and is one of three courses in the nation capable of hosting high-level international events.

“Montgomery had a vision to provide unique outdoor opportunities to its community, and the Montgomery Whitewater Park is the realization of this vision. They have embraced our sport, and we are beyond thrilled to be able to bring the Olympic Trials there," said Beth Spilman, executive director for the American Canoe Association.

Kayak cross is a brand new Olympic event where four kayakers will race around inflatable gates and complete a full kayak roll before crossing the finish line. The canoe slalom has multiple timed events with canoes and kayaks.

Needless to say, Montgomery is excited to have attracted this event. The city's 120-acre recirculating whitewater park and outdoor adventure center also welcomes boaters of all skill levels for guided whitewater rafting, after-school programs, and easygoing stand-up paddle boarding.

“Montgomery County’s investment in this world-class attraction is paying off—not only in the recruitment of internationally significant events like these Olympic Trials, but also in the Montgomery Whitewater Park’s commitment to introducing more people to healthy outdoor living, and aspirational athletes like the ones we will welcome in April," said Doug Singleton, chairman of the Montgomery County Commission.

Dave Hepp, CEO of Montgomery Whitewater Park, added they were "honored" to host the team trials and "look forward to welcoming these elite paddlers and coaches to experience our state-of-the-art park. We also invite the region to come out and be inspired by these amazing athletes to get out on the water and try paddling for themselves.”

An event schedule will be published once it is available on montgomerywhitewater.com.

We'll see you there!