International Canoe Federation highlights preparation for world-class events in OKC

Delegates from the International Canoe Federation spent time in Oklahoma City on Thursday answering questions about preparations for the 2026 World Championships and the 2028 LA 2028 Summer Olympics.

"Frankly, and not to please the mayor, this is one of the best facilities in the world," said ICF president Thomas Konietzko. "This facility has everything. What a facility. A world class facility needs, first of all, space. But also, the design is so beautiful that all the athletes are loving that, spectators are loving that. We can organize a environmental framework program, entertainment program around our competitions."

Oklahoma City is approaching 10 years since it opened its Whitewater Center.

Mike Knopp, executive director of RIVERSPORT, said this has been the vision since the beginning.

"In every project that we've undertaken here at RIVERSPORT, we've always used the term 'Olympic standard,' and that is carried from the boathouses to the finish line tower, which meets every Olympic standard," Knopp said.

For his part, Mayor David Holt said the city has made needed investments to maintain the venue and make it a world-class facility. But, small changes are still to be expected ahead of 2026 and 2028.

"We'll need grandstands, that will be temporary," he said. "There will be security aspects, to that particular event. It would be unlike anything else that we ever hosted. So, obviously there's some of that. I always tell people from an investment standpoint, we have already made by far the largest investment; we have built this facility."

Konietzko said the ICF delegation would also be visiting with Oklahoma universities while visiting the state. Specifically, to seek opportunities for global athletes to study in Oklahoma while being able to access and practice at the RIVERSPORT facility.