Canoe slalom underdog shocks world with bronze medal at Paris Olympics

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Things weren’t necessarily looking promising for Evy Leibfarth.

“She had the 12th fastest time out of the semi finals so expectations were low,” said Mayor David Holt.

The 20-year-old went into the canoe slalom finals as the lowest seed, but as the saying goes, “that’s why you play the game.”

The underdog ended up shocking the world, earning herself a bronze medal.

“I don’t know, it’s like a dream,” said Leibfarth. “To medal, it’s insane.”

During a phone call with News 4 on Thursday, Mayor Holt said that the U.S. hasn’t had a medalist in women’s canoe slalom in two decades.

Leibfarth is one of two athletes who qualified for the games in Oklahoma City when RIVERSPORT hosted the trials in late April.

The other is Casey Eichfeld.

“It’s really gratifying to see Team USA do well here,” said Mike Knopp, RIVERSPORT’s Executive Director. “Obviously, we’ve put a lot into the sport in Oklahoma City to help advance the sport.”

While cheering them on, Knopp and Mayor Holt are also taking notes.

“Everything from security to presentation to transportation,” said Mayor Holt.
“We’ve got folks here from the city, from the Chamber, from the police department.”

Although it’s not official yet, Oklahoma City is on track to host the canoe slalom and softball events in the 2028 games.

“We’re thinking about how to create that similar atmosphere in Oklahoma City,” said Knopp. “The word is out about Oklahoma City being a major player in water sports.”

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