Oklahoma City will serve as the stage for Canoe Slalom during the Olympic Games LA28, after the proposed relocation received Los Angeles City Council approval.
The Los Angeles City Council has given the green light for Canoe Slalom to take place outside of the city after approving updates to the 2028 Games Plan that were proposed by LA28 last June.
The decision means Canoe Slalom will be staged at The Whitewater Center in Oklahoma City, maximising the use of a world-class existing venue.
Canoe Slalom will join Softball in being staged in Oklahoma City, which will bring unprecedented international exposure for the city and generate a fantastic Olympic atmosphere.
A statement from LA28 reads: “Oklahoma City's sport complexes are renowned for hosting premier Canoe Slalom and Softball events in the United States.
“The city will also host a series of international events leading up to the LA28 Games, including the 2025 WBSC U-18 Women's Softball World Cup Finals, a 2025 ICF Canoe Slalom World Ranking competition, and the 2026 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships."
“Oklahoma City has consistently demonstrated outstanding commitment to paddle sports."
International Canoe Federation President Thomas Konietzko said: “The Whitewater Center in Oklahoma City is not just one of the best Canoe Slalom venues in the world— it’s a world-class arena for Olympic sport.
“We are proud that it will host the Canoe Slalom events at the Olympic Games LA28.
“Oklahoma City has consistently demonstrated outstanding commitment to paddle sports.
“With our World Championships and Congress taking place there in 2026, we are already building momentum in a city that truly embraces our sport.
“Canoe Slalom captured the imagination in Paris with packed grandstands and electric energy.
“I have no doubt that LA28, with the support of Oklahoma City, will take that excitement to another level.
“Athletes, fans, and the Olympic Movement will find something special in Oklahoma—an exceptional venue, a passionate community, and a platform to showcase our sport at its very best.”
“This is really happening. The Olympics are coming to OKC."
Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt said: “The Los Angeles City Council voted today to approve LA28’s venues proposal, and we are incredibly grateful to the Council for its consideration and approval.
“We accept this opportunity with the highest sense of obligation.
“With that final approval today, it is now official.
“Two sports from the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles – Softball and Canoe Slalom – will be staged in their entirety in America’s 20th-largest city.
“This is really happening. The Olympics are coming to OKC."
Last month, Mr Konietzko was joined by ICF Vice President Lluis Rabaneda and ICF Secretary General Richard Pettit on a visit to Oklahoma City.
The ICF leadership team each received the symbolic Key to Oklahoma City by Mayor Holt.
The Whitewater Center is currently staging an ICF Canoe Slalom World Ranking race, giving athletes from around the globe the chance to get a taste of the Olympic venue as anticipation grows for the Games.
It will also play host to the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships and the ICF Congress in 2026 before holding another ICF Canoe Slalom World Ranking race in 2027.
Widely recognised as a premier venue for international canoe competition, the Whitewater Center has outstanding facilities and organisational capabilities.
It is also equally tuned in to the Olympic Agenda 2020+5, which emphasises sustainability, legacy and the use of, where possible, existing high-quality venues.
Canoe Sprint competition will take place at the Marine Stadium in Long Beach during the Olympic Games LA28.
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