Charlotte Open Shines

On April 2-3, the US National Whitewater Center hosted the Charlotte Open. 65 athletes from all across the world, including the US, Canada, and Senegal, gathered to find out who was the fastest. Volunteers and organizers ran the weekend without a hitch - thanks to everyone involved. Even Mother Nature acquiesced by sending beautifully sunny 80 degree weather days just in time for the event. The racing was the true story of the weekend however with many hard fought battles, surprise mistakes, moves from behind, and athletes returning to the racing scene.    

With both Canadian and US Junior and Senior National Team Trials right around the corner and international points on the line everyone came to the course with a mission. In the C1 Women's class several people led the pack throughout the weekend, but young Hailey Thompson pulled out the win in the finals. In the K1 Women, Jessica Groenenveld, Ashley Nee, and Caroline Queen took the weekend with a series of amazing race runs.  Casey Eichfeld dominated the C1 category with Benn Fraker and Cameron Smedley making moves from behind in the semi-finals to stand on the podium at the end of the day. John Hastings and Brett Heyl fought it out through the second day of racing to finish a decided 1^st and 2^nd; three seconds faster than the rest of the K1 men.

While the focus and intensity of the athletes permeated the entire event, the most notable feeling was that of camaraderie and support. Fans lined the banks of the course with cowbells and whistles throughout the weekend. Even spectators brand new to the sport who had come to enjoy the day at the US National Whitewater Center got involved in the cheering. The majority of the athletes themselves wore large smiles as they enjoyed the racing, the cheering, the amazing weather, and each other. It was a wonderful experience for everyone involved and one that all hope will be repeated in the future.

For full results please visit www.usack.org/events.