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The classic test of speed and power
In Flatwater Racing sprint events, paddlers race on a straight course, each boat in a separate lane, over three different distances : 200 m, 500 m and 1000 m. In a kayak, the paddler is seated and uses a two-blade paddle, while in a canoe, the paddler is kneeling on one knee, and uses a single blade paddle. There are kayak events, for men and women, in single (K1), double (K2) and four boats (K4), and canoe events for men in single (C1), double (C2) and four boats (C4) and recently also for women.
This form of racing became an Olympic discipline in 1936 and its programme includes events over 200 m and 1000 m for men and 200 m and 500 m for women.
Except of sprint categories canoeists race also in long distances. At World Championships and European Championships these are 5000 m, only single boats are used. Long distances are also very popular for mass competitions, e.g. Sella Descent in Spain.
Azerbaijan will once again host the international Mingachevir regatta, which will be held this October. The opening ceremony is scheduled for 15th October and the canoe sprint competitions are on the programme between 16th and 18th October.
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Canoe sprinters contested World Champion titles for the first time in history on Asian soil. Uzbekistan, more precisely historic Samarkand, hosted this year's canoe sprint World Championships. Athletes fought for the medals in non-Olympic disciplines and representatives of European nations won majority of the medals.
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Czech kayaker Josef Dostal celebrated gold medal in men’s 1000 metres event of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Csipes, Jorgensen, Varga and Kopasz also reached the podium positions.
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