Success of Olympic Trials at RIVERSPORT OKC

Oklahoma City is being considered to host two events in the 2028 Olympics.

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Oklahoma City is being considered to host two events in the 2028 Olympics. One of those is canoe slalom. Just a few months ago, RIVERSPORT OKC hosted the Olympic trials for that event for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Now a few months after, the executive director is reflecting on the success of the trials.

It comes as a venue plan from LA28 Leadership includes a proposal to host canoe slalom in an Oklahoma City Venue.

Part of the plan said "LA28 identified an unmatched opportunity in Oklahoma City's existing world class venue,"

Though, a specific location was not named.

In April, RIVERSPORT OKC hosted the Olympic trials for this year's Paris games.

"Many of them had been training a good part of their career for that moment, and we wanted to make sure that moment went really well in Oklahoma City. And it did. It was very well received," said Mike Knopp, the Executive Director of RIVERSPORT OKC.

Knopp said bringing RIVERSPORT to Oklahoma City is a dream years in the making and also explained during the MAPS 3 meetings, they set a high standard for their future.

"We even use the word Olympic standard because having an Olympic standard means that we can have any level of competition," said Knopp.

It sets the stage for all sorts of events, while also bringing an economic impact to the city.

"We had a rowing event just a couple of weeks ago that had 1000 athletes from across the region. And, you know, those are athletes who have families who are staying in our hotels, eating at our restaurants," said Knopp.

He said RIVERSPORT is unique to the state, especially for what's next at the venue and the sports they host.

"It's really setting the stage for more things to come here in the future, including a World Championship in 2026," said Knopp.

Knopp also mentioned how their facility can be adapted to host those who want to watch the events and said they're studying each event to see the demands for capacity while also maintaining a standard for the athletes.