The most successful was the team of Germany which managed to secure itself a full team of nine male competitors. They were the only nation who managed to achieve this is men’s or women’s events. Germany secured all possible six quotas in men’s kayak and three quotas in men’s canoe. Spain earned all six places in men’s kayak, while Hungary secured all possible quotas in women’s kayak.
In women’s kayak Germany surprisingly only qualified K4 boat but still has a chance for more quotas next year. To much surprise British team also only qualified one boat thanks to Liam Heath in men’s K1 200, so they will seek new opportunities next year as well.
Every country can qualify six athletes in the kayak events and three in the canoe events. Athletes from that pool can compete in more than one event, even if the country has not qualified in that specific race. For example, athletes competing in a K4 can also compete in K2 and K1 events. Likewise in canoe, athletes from C2 can also race the C1. Nations can also enter two boats in K2, K1 and C1 races, from the qualified squad. While the countries qualify the places, athletes will need to earn their seat in the boats through national selections.
More quota positions will be available at upcoming continental qualification competitions, and then the last places will be determined at next year’s ICF world cup in Duisburg in May.
