Apr 22, 2024 - Sports

Olympic kayak and canoe hopefuls row into Sarasota

Selene San Felice

rowers making strained faces — German competitors in the men's kayak four 500m semi-final during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Photo: Luis Acosta/AFP via Getty Images

Some of the world's best kayakers and canoers are paddling into Sarasota this week.

Why it matters: It's the last opportunity for the athletes to secure their spots for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

State of paddle: Nathan Benderson Park hosts the Canoe Sprint Americas Continental Olympic Qualifier and Pan American Championships Tuesday through Thursday.

By the numbers: About 100 athletes from 17 countries across North, Central and South America will compete in 200m, 500m and 1000m events over three days.

Ones to watch: USA's Olympic hopefuls include Jonas Ecker and Aaron Small, who will compete in the Men's Kayak Double 500m event.

Nevin Harrison, who took the gold in 2020 for the Women's Canoe Single 200m event, has already secured her spot for Paris.

If you go: Entry is free for spectators, except for any parking fees at Nathan Benderson Park.

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Olympic kayak and canoe hopefuls row into Sarasota

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