a single training partner can significantly alter the dynamics of the workout. With their parents accompanying them in a speedboat, o ering sup- port, encouragement, and valuable feedback, the familial bond further fueled their determination and commitment to their Olympic aspirations. “One thing that happened last year is I put a ton of stress on it, and I didn’t feel like I performed as well as I could have. This year, I’m trying to release a lot of the stress involved in my own men- tal game,” Kai explains. “I’m trying to just enjoy the process a lot more. Learn from the past, be in the present, and plan for the future. The rest will come.” While Kai won't be competing in the Olympic qualifiers, he eagerly anticipates international competition after securing a spot in the 2024 International Canoe Federation Sprint World Cup in Szeged, Hungary. In a heartwarming twist of fate, the siblings will unite at the World Cup to race as a team in the Mixed K2 event. “It’s really comforting to have my sister around in general just ‘cause I feel like she’s my best friend,” he says. The 2024 Paris Olympics will feature canoe slalom and canoe sprint, along with the debut of a new event: kayak cross. Canoe slalom events will be held starting Saturday, July 27 and continue until Monday, August 5. The sprint events will occur between Tuesday, August 6 and Saturday, August 10. The journey to Olympic glory is storied for the Outrigger Canoe Club. Its members have amassed an astonishing 37 Olympic medals, including 18 gold, 13 silver, and 6 bronze—a tally that surpasses the medal count of many countries. At the heart of these achievements lies a deep-rooted love for their respective sports, nurtured in the sun- soaked shores of Hawai‘i during their childhood days spent at the Outrigger.
Kai & Kali Wilding SPORT: Kayaking
“Outrigger is very well represented in the volley- ball community globally at the highest levels,” says Micah Christenson, who recently won Best Setter award at the 2023 Volleyball Nations League (VNL). After helping to lead the U.S. team to victory in the 2023 NORCECA Championship and earning the title of MVP, the captain received further recognition from Olympics.com, being selected as one of the top ten most exciting players to watch at the Paris 2024 Volleyball Men’s Quali- fi er. general just ‘cause I feel like she’s my best friend.” — Kai Wilding “It’s really com- forting to have my sister around in
may / june 2024 | AMA 17
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