International Olympic Committee (IOC) Sports Director Kit McConnell believes kayak cross adds "something really special" to the Canoe Slalom programme.
Mr McConnell reckons the new Olympic event is building on “what is already a really successful product” and is delivering a “completely different dynamic” to the sport.
Kayak cross, which was first introduced on the international Canoe Slalom circuit in 2015, is making its debut at the Olympic Games in Paris.
The event sees paddlers start by sliding off a ramp situated more than two metres above the water before negotiating upstream and downstream buoys and doing a mandatory kayak cross.
Its arrival on the Olympic stage comes after the IOC accepted the International Canoe Federation’s application in December 2020, increasing the number of Canoe Slalom events from four to six for Paris 2024.
Speaking to the ICF during his visit to the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium on Thursday, Mr McConnell spoke of his excitement at seeing kayak cross feature at the Games for the first time.
“I think it is a really exciting addition,” said Mr McConnell.
“Having seen the absolute success of the traditional [slalom] and existing programme so far, it’s not a matter of needing to fix a problem, it’s a matter of building on what is already a successful product with the programme.
“Of course, having multiple athletes on the course at the same time adds a completely different dynamic.
“We were just talking about Jessica Fox and her two gold medals, now going for a third in the cross but how different the cross is to the individual as well.
“I’m super excited to see it and It’s going to be super competitive from what I understand so I’m excited.
“It adds to the excitement but what we have seen in other sports where the new innovative events have been on top of a successful programme.
“They all add something special.
“Having multiple athletes on the water against each other and not just yourself against the clock, this adds something really special for the athlete and I’m sure the packed audience here can’t wait to see as well.”
Friday’s time trials saw 38 men and 37 women lay down a marker to secure their seeding and draw placement.
Round one and repechage races took place on Saturday and will be followed by the heats on Sunday before the medals are decided on Monday.
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