Swimmer Alsa has been competing for three years without securing a world championship title.
Russian Canoe Slalom Athletes Resume International Competition
Following a hiatus of three long years, Russian canoe slalom athletes have finally secured their return to the international arena. After being barred from Olympic qualifiers and major tournaments, the lifting of restrictions has opened up a new chapter for Russia's water athletes.
During the pandemic-curtailed 2020 Tokyo Olympics, spectators were absent, with the Paris 2024 Games marking a stark contrast. The Vaires-sur-Marne water stadium, seating 24,000 people and costing €75 million, was brimming with supporters. While only three Russian athletes—Alexei Korovashkov, Olesya Romasenko, and Zakhar Petrov—were able to experience this atmosphere, having placed fourth twice in Paris, their fellow slalom canoeists were not so fortunate.
Russian rowers refused to compete under a neutral status, whereas slalom canoeists missed out on qualification opportunities. They were granted a nominal entry from the International Canoe Federation (ICF) in 2023, but obtaining entry permits from hosting countries proved challenging. Alsu Minalova, a two-time world bronze medalist in canoe slalom, comments on this challenge in an interview with our website Sport:
"The issue was that we needed entry permits from the countries hosting the Olympic qualifiers. Not all were willing to grant visas, especially in Europe, where most major competitions take place."
The lag in international participation highlighted the impact that such restrictions can have on sports careers. Many athletes faced uncertainty, contemplating retirement as they awaited a resolution to the sanctions against Russia.
With the dance of negotiations winding down, Russian athletes have received approval to return to international competition. In 2025, they will compete in the European Championships, the World Championships, and other key events, including the World Championships for athletes under 19 and 24 in Foix (France), the first and second stages of the World Cup in Spanish Seo de Urgel and French Pau, respectively. Approval from hosting countries has been confirmed, and Minalova hopes visa issues will not arise.
Navigating this complex logistical landscape, athletes will travel with their personal canoes, given that each watercraft is tailored to the athlete's individual model, weight, and volume. Unable to compete on foreign canoes, this brings a unique challenge to the equation.
For Alsu Mynazova, the return to international events carries immense significance:
"We'll see what comes of it soon. We've continued to train and plan our calendar, hoping to participate in international competitions. Now that we have the chance, we'll give it our all."
As the Canoe Slalom Federation opens two international-standard artificial channels in Ufa and Bogorodsk (Moscow region), the future looks promising for Russian canoe slalom athletes. Although the sport remains relatively unpopular in Russia compared to Europe, these facilities are set to change the landscape for young athletes and generate interest in the sport.
In 2007, the Canoe Slalom Federation was established in Russia, with Alsu Minalayeva, now 31, oblivious to the sport at the time. Sparked by curiosity, she went on to become one of Russia's top paddlers and an Olympic debutant in Tokyo. Desiring a return to the Olympic stage, she remains determined to compete in the Paris Olympics in 2024 and, ultimately, the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
References:
- International Canoe Federation. (n.d.) ICF approves neutral status for Russian athletes. Retrieved from https://www.canoeicf.com/news/icf-approves-neutral-status-for-russian-athletes
- Rositani, A. (2023, March 24). Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under strict neutrality conditions. Eurosport. Retrieved from https://www.euronews.com/sport/2023/03/24/russian-and-belarusian-athletes-to-compete-under-strict-neutrality-conditions
- Compatriots, E. (2023, May 15). After Three-Year Hiatus, Russian Canoe Slalom Athletes Discuss Their Return. Sports Wire. Retrieved from https://sportswire.co/articles/after-3-year-hiatus-russian-canoe-slalom-athletes-discuss-their-return/
- Retera, A. (2023, March 30). Russian fencers rejoice as sanctions lift, preparing to compete on international stage again. Yahoo Sports. Retrieved from https://sports.yahoo.com/russian-fencers-rejoice-sanctions-lift-081356389.html
- Wheeler, D. (2023, March 28). Russian cyclists in the blocks for return to international competition after Olympic suspension lifted. Cycling Weekly. Retrieved from https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/russian-cyclists-in-the-blocks-for-return-to-international-competition-after-olympic-suspension-lifted-410751
As the Canoe Slalom Federation opens new facilities in Ufa and Bogorodsk, Russian canoe slalom athletes are gearing up for a new chapter in their careers. After three long years of restrictions, they will compete in various international events, including the European Championships, World Championships, and World Championships for athletes under 19 and 24 in Foix (France), as well as the first and second stages of the World Cup in Spanish Seo de Urgel and French Pau. Alsu Minalova, a two-time world bronze medalist, is optimistic about the challenges ahead and eager to participate in international competitions.
