Riversport OKC Wraps Up Historic Weekend

Riversport OKC wrapped up what they say is a historic weekend for Oklahoma City and the paddle sports world.

Athletes and officials from near and far traveled to Oklahoma City to compete in the International Canoe Federation Super Cup, an event Mike Knopp said is putting Oklahoma in the spotlight.

“It really shows we're an international city. We're an international sports destination because of this river. It really creates opportunities from around the world to show what Oklahoma is,” Knopp said.

For many of the athletes, this was their first time in Oklahoma.

“First time in Oklahoma yes. Not the first time in the states. We usually go to Florida for training camp, but I really like the venue here. So maybe come here more often now,” German Olympic medalist Conrad Scheibner said.

“It's a so different city. There's like cowboy people. I think the city has a super interesting story,” Chile Olympic medalist Maria Maillard said.

Many of these athletes traveled here from the Tokyo Olympics to compete in the only place in the world where you can have night racing.

For some, they’ve been training here in OKC for years. Shad Isaac is competing in the American Canoe Association Sprint National Championship. He's the only Para kayaker at Riversport OKC.

“I like to chase people. I like to try and stay up with them and even if I can't I have to tell myself. I'm not in their class. I have to run my own race.

Isaac said for him it's more than just winning or losing.

“Even if one of us feels like they didn't do their best we kind of lift them up and say good race you'll do better on the next one and just shake that one-off,” Isaac said.

There's still a chance to catch the ACA sprint national championship. The last day for races is Tuesday.