Discipline's origin

Although canoe and kayak events were placed on the Olympic programme in 1936, until 1972 they were flatwater racing only. Whitewater slalom canoe racing became popular shortly before World War II with the first known competition occurring in 1933. World championships in slalom canoe racing were introduced in 1949. The first international federation to govern canoeing was the Internationella Representantskapet för Kanotidrott (IRK) which was formed in 1924. After World War II, this organisation was succeeded by the Fédération Internationale de Canoë (FIC), which governs both flatwater and whitewater racing.

(Credit: IOC. Click here for further information.)