With just over 400 days to go until the 2025 International Canoe Federation (ICF) Canoe Slalom World Championships at Penrith Whitewater Stadium, the State and Federal Governments has today announced $3.2 million in funding to support Paddle Australia in the hosting of the event.
Following sell out crowds for canoe slalom events at the Paris Olympic Games, the World Championships are heading down under for the first time since 2005, with more than 300 competitors from 50 nations expected to take part.
The Penrith Whitewater Stadium is a legacy venue of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and has since gone on to produce the world’s best ever canoe slalom athlete and three time Olympic gold medalist Jessica Fox as well as recent Olympic gold medalist in Noemie Fox.
Home of Paddle Australia’s canoe slalom high performance program, the NSW Government also recently completed a $3.1 million upgrade to Penrith Whitewater Stadium to enable it to stage the World Championships, including upgrades to the whitewater course and venue infrastructure.
CEO Paddle Australia Phil Jones said, the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships not only provides the opportunity to excite and engage the Australian community, but will also be an important milestone on the green and gold runway towards a home Olympic Games in 2032.
“Hosting the International Canoe Federation (ICF) Canoe Slalom World Championships provides Paddle Australia with a unique opportunity to not only attract world class talent down under and connect with the Australian public, but will also provide a significant opportunity to attract new interest and talent into our pathway programs.
“Australia boasts current female Olympic champions Jess and Noemie Fox, who have already inspired more people to get involved in paddling. We’ve seen first hand what hosting international events in Australia can do in galvanising Australian fans and young people and that’s certainly our vision for the 2025 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships.
“Hosting the event would not be possible without the significant contribution from the NSW Government. Their continued support of canoe slalom in Australia and funding to help us deliver the 2025 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships as well as the facility upgrades to Penrith Whitewater Stadium, is making our vision a reality.
“The Penrith Whitewater Stadium is a proud legacy venue of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Sydney is renowned for delivering incredible major events and we look forward to welcoming athletes and fans from around the world to Western Sydney for another marquee event,” he said.
Three-time Olympic Gold Medallist and IOC Athlete Commission Member Jess Fox is excited to welcome the world to her hometown.
“Following Australia’s most successful Olympic Games ever in Paris, we are excited to welcome the world’s best slalom paddlers to Penrith Whitewater Stadium in 2025.
“We have seen at recent World Championships and Olympic Games, how much fans enjoy our sport with packed crowds creating a wonderful atmosphere. We know Penrith is primed to provide fans of our sport and Western Sydney locals with that same incredible atmosphere.
“I remember being a six year old in the stands for Sydney 2000 and an 11 year old in the stands when the World Championships were here in 2005, so to have that legacy 20, 25 years on, for me it means so much,” she said.
Recently crowned Olympic champion, Noemie Fox, has grown up in Penrith and is looking forward to welcoming the world to her backyard.
“I’ve had the pleasure of competing at some of the most incredible locations around the globe as part of the ICF World Cup Series and I can’t wait to welcome the world’s best athletes to my hometown of Penrith to showcase our beautiful region.
“Penrith Whitewater Stadium is the base for our high performance squad, this is where we train year in and year out and I’m looking forward to using that home ground advantage to its fullest.
“Since returning home from the Paris Olympic Games I’ve been pleased to see such a huge level of support from Aussie fans, from the young school kids right through to adults. The 2025 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships is going to give all Australians the opportunity to see world class canoe slalom action up close and in person and I can’t wait,” she said.
ICF President Mr. Thomas Konietzko said: “The NSW Government’s significant contribution for the 2025 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships in Penrith will help towards delivering a successful event. Penrith has played a crucial role in producing the world’s best Canoe Slalom athlete Jessica Fox. After the resounding success of Paris 2024 which saw her sister Noemie win gold during the kayak cross debut at the Olympic Games, the World Championships at the Penrith Whitewater Stadium will be the perfect setting to inspire future generations, add to the legacy of Sydney 2000 and engage fans on the green and gold runway towards 2032 Olympic Games in Australia.”
Find out more about the 2025 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships – click here
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