Great Britain and Slovakia win gold at Canoe Slalom World Championships in Oklahoma City
The Canoe Slalom World Championships are underway in Oklahoma City, with Great Britain and Slovakia earning gold medals and unique Oklahoma belt buckles as part of the prize.
OKLAHOMA CITY —
The Canoe Slalom World Championships continued Wednesday in Oklahoma City, with athletes competing for gold medals and custom Oklahoma belt buckles featuring Route 66 and other local designs.
The competition started as early as 10 a.m., and by the end of the day, Great Britain claimed gold in the men’s canoe slalom, while Slovakia took the top spot in the women’s event.
Adam Burgess, an Olympic medalist from Team Great Britain, shared his excitement after the medal ceremony.
“Feel so good to finally get a world title today. We’ve got very close; we are vice world champions for the last two races here, pipped by the French, and this one’s our turn, so it feels really good,” Burgess said.
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Peter Linksted, also from Team Great Britain, reflected on the significance of the win.
“It’s pretty special. Being with these two guys who have looked up to for really long time felt a lot of pressure on my shoulders, but I’m just really happy to get it over the line,” Linksted said.
Athletes also expressed their appreciation for the Oklahoma belt buckles, calling them a fun and meaningful keepsake to remember the event and location.
Thursday’s competition begins at 10 a.m., and events will continue through Saturday.