As Great Britain prepares to welcome the International Canoe Federation Canoe Slalom World Cup in 2027, the spotlight naturally turns to the enduring legacy of the Lee Valley Whitewater Centre.
Opened 15 years ago, the venue hosted Canoe Slalom competition at London 2012 and has become one of Great Britain’s most successful Olympic legacy sites.
Originally designed to stage slalom events, it has since developed into a centre for both elite competition and wider participation.
Since 2012, Lee Valley has consistently delivered major international events. Most recently, it hosted the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships 2023, reinforcing its reputation as one of the leading whitewater courses in the world.
The championships also marked a milestone for British paddling, with Joseph Clarke and Kimberley Woods securing world titles and contributing to the team’s most successful performance at a World Championships.
The return of the ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup in 2027 further strengthens the venue’s place on the international calendar.
Beyond elite sport, the centre continues to play an important role in developing British talent, providing a high-performance environment while also supporting grassroots access to paddle sport.
Open to the public, Lee Valley offers recreational rafting and kayaking, helping to engage new audiences and inspire future athletes.
Its dual role as both a high-performance venue and community facility underpins its long-term value as a legacy venue.
As the venue approaches 15 years since opening, it stands as a clear example of a successful Olympic legacy – continuing to support Olympic success, community participation, and international competition.
“We are delighted to once again be hosting an international event with our partners at the Lee Valley White Water Centre,” said Ashley Metcalfe, CEO of Paddle UK.
“Bringing major events to the UK is hugely important for our athletes, for the venue’s local community and of course to inspire a new generation of paddlers
“Lee Valley is a world class venue which is loved by athletes and supporters of the sport, and we are looking forward to welcoming them back to the UK,” said Metcalfe.
“We can’t wait to welcome the world’s best back to Lee Valley, it’ll be the fifth major international event we have hosted in this iconic venue,” said Shaun Dawson, Chief Executive of Lee Valley Regional Park Authority.
“The centre is the epitome of Olympic sporting legacy and we’re marking 15 years since we first opened the doors in 2011, the only brand-new London 2012 venue to open before the Games.”
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