Paddle UK chief hails GB start to LA28 qualification

Paddle UK performance director Tom Duggan said he is proud of the British team after they started their Olympic qualification campaign with third place in the medal table at the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships in Oklahoma City.

Sam Leaver won the team's sixth medal, and his first at senior level, at the World Championships, with kayak cross bronze at the venue set to be used for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

GB's other medals came from Joe Clarke's gold in the men's kayak cross, the men's team winning the canoe team world title, Adam Burgess' silver in the men's canoe final, Lois Leaver – Sam Leaver's sister - winning bronze in the women's kayak cross individual and Kimberley Woods winning women's kayak bronze.

"I am really pleased with the performances we put in this week. It has been a really good start to the Olympic Qualification System," said Duggan, after GB finished behind the Czech Republic and Australia.

"It is only the first race of nine for the rankings but to have achieved some of the performances we have on what will be the Olympic venue is really important as we build confidence and momentum.

"The conditions have been really difficult in terms of the temperatures for the athletes and coaches to contend with, but it has given us a flavour of what to expect in 2028.

"I am super proud of how everyone, athletes and coaches, have come together to put in the performances we have."