Canoe: 10 things we learned in 2015

Austria’s Markus Swoboda is the man to beat

The Austrian won his sixth title at the 2015 International Canoe Federation (ICF) Para-Canoe World Championships in Milan, Italy, confirming his dominance in the men’s 200m KL2 category. Surprisingly, Swoboda had lost his first race in five years entering Milan, until Australia’s Curtis McGrath beat him in the early heats. But the following day, Swoboda still won the world title.

Germany’s Edina Müller transitioned from wheelchair basketball to para-canoe very well

The wheelchair basketball gold and silver medallist from London 2012 and Beijing 2008, respectively, had a successful start into her new career as a canoeist. She won the silver medal in the 200m KL1 at the 2015 ICF Para-Canoe European Championships in Racice, Czech Republic. That was her first international event in the sport. A few months later, the German claimed the silver medal again at the Worlds in Milan, behind Britain’s Janette Chippington in the women’s 200m KL1.

Chippington the woman to beat in the KL1

It was no surprise when the most decorated female claimed gold in the women’s 200m KL1 at the 2015 Worlds, securing a spot for Great Britain in the Paralympics in Rio.

Australia’s Amanda Reynolds has potential to win Paralympic gold

The Australian sealed the title in the women’s KL3 category one year after finishing third at the 2014 Worlds in Moscow, Russia. Reynolds’ race in Milan was also one to remember. After a bad start, she summoned the energy to catch up and edge Great Britain’s Anne Dickins by 0.02 seconds.

Luis C. Cardoso Da Silva a Brazilian favourite

After the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) had announced that only kayak would be part of the competition programme in Rio, Cardoso changed his focus from the Va’as to kayak events. And in Milan, the Brazilian excelled and won the gold medal in the men’s 200m KL1, securing a spot for his country at the 2016 Paralympics. The win in the VL1 category was an additional cherry on the cake.

Keep eyes on the women’s KL3 and the men’s KL3

The women’s 200m KL3 race in Milan was extremely hard-fought. Not just because Reynolds and Dickins were separated by 0.02 seconds, but also because France’s third placed Cindy Moreau was just 0.43 seconds away. The men’s side was no different. Germany’s Tom Kierey secured the title 0.469 seconds ahead of Great Britain’s Robert Oliver and Russia’s Leonid Krylov by 0.045 seconds only.

The races got tougher one year ahead of Rio

The results at the World Championships in Milan show that the competition in para-canoe gets tighter one year before the debut in Rio. Many teams came to Milan with the goal to secure their spots for Rio and the level of performance was high.

Brazil have plenty to cheer for

The Brazilian team had a strong showing at the World Championships by winning seven medals in total. Cardoso’s title in the men’s 200m KL1 was the highlight.

Australia, Brazil and Great Britain are the top nations, at the moment

Australia topped the medal table with a total of five medals, including three golden ones, one silver and bronze, whilst Brazil was second with three gold medals and four third places. Great Britain rounds up the top three podium with the win of two golds and five silver medals.

2016 is going to be para-canoe’s most important year

This year will be a milestone for para-canoe with the Paralympic debut. The World Championships in Duisburg, Germany, in May will serve as another qualifier for the Rio 2016.

Sport fans from around the world can now buy their Paralympic tickets for Rio 2016 from authorised ticket resellers (ATRs).

The IPC’s Global ATR is Jet Set Sports, and Rio 2016 tickets and packages can be purchased on the CoSport website.

Residents of Brazil can buy 2016 Paralympics tickets directly from the Rio 2016 website.