OKC Hosts 2012 Canoe And Kayak Olympic Team Trials

For some of the fastest athletes on water, the road to the Olympics runs through Oklahoma City.

The Oklahoma River is the site of this year's Olympic Trials for canoe and kayakers.

Athletes from across the nation will compete in numerous races over the two day competition for a berth to the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

The events run Friday from 5-7 p.m. and Saturday beginning at 9 a.m. in the Boathouse District and admission is free.

USA Canoe/Kayak will also hold its National Team Trials for the 2012 ICF World Cup and ICF Paracanoe World Championships during this weekend's event. The sport of Paracanoe has been recently selected to debut at the 2016 Paralympics.

Fans can also meet Olympic athletes during an autograph session at 11 a.m. in the Chesapeake Finish Line Tower.

In addition to Saturday's races and autograph session, kids can experience what it's like to be in the boats with the athletes. The Paddle Now! Youth Experience will allow kids from grades two through nine the opportunity to get into sprint boats with some of the athletes to experience what it's like to paddle on the water.

For more information on the trials visit Oklahomariverevents.org