Our USA Men and Women Raft Teams, hailing from Vail, Colorado recently returned from the World Rafting Championships in Zoetermeer, Netherlands and they definitely did our country proud.
Competing against up to 30 other nations, the USA were strong contenders in each of the 4 race categories; Sprint, Head to Head, Slalom and Down River. The Women’s team prevailed in both the Sprint and Down River race taking 3rd place and the bronze medals. The Men’s Team were highly competitive in all their events against teams like Japan and Brazil who are actually paid professional raft racers, missing out on a final overall podium place by only 1 point.
Women on the podium with their bronze medals from the Down River
This championships, hosted for the first time on a man made whitewater course called Dutch Water Dreams, was a huge success for both teams who have been training hard since last October in conditions that aren’t exactly “rafting” friendly. Even in the cold and snow you would have often seen the teams training at the Avon Recreation Center or on Nottingham Lake once the ice had melted!
Men battling it out in slalom
Although everyone is now enjoying a nice, relaxing break, the teams will soon be back in training for their next competition. This one will be a little closer to home being held in Costa Rica in October.
To see the full results and some great photos from the competition visit the team website www.usraftteamco.com Send the team a congratulatory email or find out how to support them in their quest for Gold at future World Championship competitions.
Hey congratulations to all those who participated in this competition and specially for those who conquered it.
The women team also have done a great piece of work and by winning the bronze medals.
Hearty congratulations to everybody and also good wishes for your forecoming competitions to come.