Understanding rowing vs. canoe slalom While both Olympic sports require elite athleticism and a connection to the water, rowing and canoe slalom are fundamentally different disciplines. Rowing, as practiced by the U23 athletes in OKC, is a flat-water sport raced on calm, straight courses over a distance of 2,000 meters. It focuses on speed, rhythm and endurance, with athletes rowing in synchronized crews using oars attached to the boat. Canoe slalom, on the other hand, is a whitewater sport that challenges athletes to maneuver through a series of downstream and upstream gates on a turbulent, artificial river course. It demands split-second decision-making, technical agility and precise boat control. The two sports represent very different facets of Olympic paddling competition. Leading into LA28 OKC’s role in preparing athletes for Olympic success continues to grow. RIVERSPORT will host canoe slalom events during the LA28 Olympic Games—one of only a few events held outside of California. This international spotlight further cements OKC as a center for water sports and athlete development. As the city builds toward LA28, programs like the U23 rowing camp and its new internship initiative showcase how OKC is not only a world-class training hub, but also a place where high-performance sport and workforce development intersect in powerful new ways.
The Chamber is working with USRowing and the U23 National Team to connect Olympic hopefuls with short- term, part-time internships during their month-long U23 Selection Camp in Oklahoma City this summer. The USRowing Under 23 National Team includes athletes selected to represent the United States at the World Rowing Under 23 Championships. Selection is based on the competitive, invitation-only U23 Selection Camp that evaluates rowers ages 18–22 on ergometer scores, race performance, technical skill, physical profile, coach recommendations and leadership ability for coxswains. The 2025 U23 Selection Camp will take place in OKC beginning June 16. National team coaches will lead athletes through intensive physical and technical training. The camp serves as a direct path to international competition and the Olympic program. Athletes will arrive in OKC on June 15 and depart July 17. Internships may begin no earlier than June 17 and must end by July 15. Athletes are available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., between morning and afternoon training sessions. If you’re interested in engaging a high-achieving, world-class athlete for a short-term, high-impact summer internship, please contact Lee Copeland, director of talent programs and partnerships, with details about your internship. Copeland will help coordinate with USRowing. CHAMBER PARTNERS WITH USROWING TO OFFER INTERNSHIPS DURING U23 CAMP
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