Vice President's Column

High-performance Hubs 

As we aim to expand globally, we're pleased to introduce two new high-performance hubs. These hubs bring together exceptional venues, worldwide expertise, and local partnerships to create an ideal environment for athletes, coaches and events at every level: local, regional, and global. 

In Columbus, Georgia, a collaboration between the ICF, local authorities, and the American Canoe Association (ACA) is bringing to life a dedicated hub for Canoe Freestyle. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to offer year-round training opportunities for freestyle athletes, empowering them to refine their skills and serving as a central hub for the development of the discipline. 

Meanwhile, in Oklahoma, where we will host the 2026 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships, we will establish another high-performance hub initially focusing on Canoe Slalom but eventually expanding to other disciplines. The high-performance hub strategy is developed to raise the bar for excellence in canoeing, creating an environment that nurtures the development and success of athletes on a global scale.  

Broadcast and Digital

Recognising the pivotal role of broadcasting in expanding the reach and accessibility of canoeing competitions, the ICF has embarked on a comprehensive strategy aimed at leveraging digital platforms and innovative approaches to enhance the viewing experience for fans worldwide. 

This year we have introduced a YouTube membership, offering fans exclusive access to the live broadcast feed. This paid for service has allowed us to increase the levels of on-demand clipping of the racing significantly enhancing the reach of our content beyond the traditional community whilst also being able to provide further investment in commentary and promotion from our major competitions.

Looking ahead, a comprehensive review of the broadcast strategy for the years 2025-2029 is currently underway, encompassing digital platforms, over-the-top (OTT) streaming services, broadcast rights sales, content strategy, archive solutions, and sponsorship opportunities. 

Olympic Qualification 

Ensuring fairness and transparency in the Olympic qualification process is a top priority for the ICF. It's essential for maintaining the integrity of the sport and giving athletes an equal chance to compete. 

To achieve this, we're in the final stages of developing a proposal for a revamped Olympic qualification process. This collaborative effort involved extensive consultation and the formation of a working group with key representatives. Our aim is to create a clear and accessible pathway for athletes aiming for the Olympic Games. 

The proposed changes will streamline the qualification process and introduce a hybrid model of ranking and direct event qualification across the two disciplines. This approach will provide athletes with more opportunities to qualify for the Games. It will also enhance connections between organisers and the Games, and offer athletes a clearer pathway to participate. Ultimately, this will allow us to better promote and communicate the journey to the Olympic Games. 

By Lluis Rabaneda, Vice President of the ICF