Historic ICF Masters Canoe Sprint World Championships Conclude in Halifax

HALIFAX, N.S. (June 27, 2026) – The 2026 ICF Masters Canoe Sprint World Championships came to a close on Saturday after three days of world-class racing, international camaraderie, and historic milestones that will leave a lasting legacy for the sport.

Held from June 25–27, the Championships welcomed approximately 200 athletes representing 21 countries, including Mauritius, which competed at the event for the first time. The competition also marked a landmark moment in canoe sprint history as the first ICF Masters Canoe Sprint World Championships ever hosted outside of Europe.

Another significant milestone came with the introduction of Women's Canoe events to the Masters World Championships for the first time, reflecting the continued growth and evolution of the discipline on the international stage.

Athletes ranging from experienced competitors to lifelong paddling enthusiasts showcased the spirit of Masters racing, demonstrating that excellence, competition, and community extend well beyond the traditional high-performance years. Among them was Canada's Bob Kay, the oldest competitor at 83 years old.

With competitors travelling from across the globe and a strong local organizing effort, Halifax provided a fitting backdrop for this historic edition of the Championships, celebrating both the sport's rich traditions and its exciting future.

Complete results from the 2026 ICF Masters Canoe Sprint World Championships are available here: https://memosoft.spotfokus.com/timetable/eventdetail/140/2026-ICF-SPRINT-MASTERS-WORLD-CHAMPIONSHIPS