GB canoe slalom team makes strong start to LA28 qualification

Great Britain's canoe slalom team has begun their Olympic qualification campaign with a third-place finish in the medal table at the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships in Oklahoma City – the venue for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Paddle UK performance director Tom Duggan expressed pride in the team's achievements.

Sam Leaver won Britain's sixth medal – a bronze in kayak cross – which was his first senior-level medal. Other medals included Joe Clarke's gold in men's kayak cross, the men's team world title in canoe team, Adam Burgess' silver in men's canoe final, Lois Leaver (Sam's sister) bronze in women's kayak cross individual, and Kimberley Woods bronze in women's kayak.

"I am really pleased with the performances we put in this week. It has been a really good start to the Olympic Qualification System," Duggan said after Great Britain finished behind the Czech Republic and Australia. "It is only the first race of nine for the rankings but to have achieved some of the performances we have on what will be the Olympic venue is really important as we build confidence and momentum."

The conditions were challenging due to high temperatures, but Duggan noted it gave a taste of what to expect in 2028. "I am super proud of how everyone, athletes and coaches, have come together to put in the performances we have," he added.