Qualified for Games at Olympic Trials in OKC 

In an impressive display of skill and determination, 20-year-old Evy Leibfarth from North Carolina made history by winning the bronze medal in the women’s canoe singles (C1) event at the Paris 2024 Olympics. This marks her first Olympic medal and the first time a U.S. woman has medaled in Olympic C1 canoe slalom. 

Leibfarth qualified for the Paris Olympic Games during Olympic Trials hosted by RIVERSPORT OKC in April of this year. 

Leibfarth’s journey to the podium was not easy. She almost did not qualify for the women’s canoe singles final, starting 12th in the lineup. Despite the odds, she delivered an extraordinary performance, hanging on for a medal as the top names in the sport struggled. The tension peaked when the final paddler, Czech Gabriela Satkova, incurred numerous penalties, sealing Leibfarth’s place on the podium. 

“Evy’s performance was nothing short of spectacular,” said Mike Knopp, executive director of RIVERSPORT, who is in Paris to witness the event. “Her dedication and perseverance have paid off in an incredible way. This is an historic moment for U.S. canoe slalom.” 

“We’ve watched her win so many medals at the national championships and Olympic Trials we’ve hosted at RIVERSPORT through the years and it’s amazing to see her finding such success on the world’s biggest stage- all while still being so young,” Knopp said.  “It’s very exciting to see her positioned to build so much excitement for the sport as we begin to focus on the LA 28!” 

Canoe slalom is planned to be hosted at RIVERSPORT, Oklahoma City’s whitewater center, during the 2028 Los Angeles. The final decision is pending approval by the Los Angeles City Council.  

As the sport continues to thrive, Evy Leibfarth’s groundbreaking success at the Paris Olympics serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring canoe slalom athletes nationwide.