Men's C1 (canoe single) David Florence Men's K1 (kayak single) Campbell Walsh
What is slalom and what are the rules?
Canoe slalom is one of the most spectacular watersports, demanding skill, stamina and courage.
The aim is to run a rapid river course marked by "gates" fast, and without touching. A "gate" is two poles, suspended over the water. Green and white gates are negotiated in a downstream direction; red and white gates require the paddler to work upstream. A touch is penalised with 2 seconds added to the competitor's time. Missing a gate costs 50 seconds - a wipeout in serious competition. Each competitor takes two runs and the times are added together.
The 4 classes / events
Men's K1 (kayak single)
Women's K1 (kayak single)
Men's C1 (canoe single)
Men's C2 (canoe double)
GB's Track Record
This is a sport in which Britain excels. Richard Fox was 5 times World Champion; Lynn Simpson was Women's World Champion; Paul Ratcliffe took the World Cup, the European Championship and silver medal at the Sydney Olympic Games. At the Athens Olympics in 2004 Cambell Walsh won the K1 Men's Silver Medal and Helen Reeves took the K1 Women's Bronze.
Women's K1 (kayak single) Fiona Pennie
More information
World Class Olympic Podium Programmes: www.worldclass-canoeing.org.uk
UK Slalom website: www.canoeslalom.co.uk
Athlete Websites
Campbell Walsh: www.campbellwalsh.com
David Florence: www.davidflorence.com
2012 Olympic Slalom venue: Broxbourne, Hertfordshire