Photo Credit: Eric Francis | Athlete: Tyler Westfall
As the U.S. Canoe Slalom & Kayak Cross National Team sets its sights on the first ICF Canoe Slalom World Cups of the new Olympic cycle this coming June—La Seu, Spain (June 6-8), Pau, France (June 13-15), and Prague, Czechia (June 27-29)—the team is primed to test itself against the world’s best.
The team’s preparation has included the comprehensive support from US Performance Center in Charlotte, NC. A hub of elite athletic development, the center brings together state-of-the-art facilities, expert coaching, integrated medical and performance support, and a community of driven athletes.
For Men’s Kayak athlete Tyler Westfall, who recently participated in athlete testing at the facility, the impact has been transformative. “Having access to so many different resources under one roof has been a game changer,” he shares. “It’s so motivating to have a whole team of people with varying skills who are communicating with each other with the common goal of providing us what we need to be the best we can be.”
With sport specific strength and conditioning coaches, innovative recovery and rehabilitation programs, and a collaborative approach that unites physiologists, nutritionists, and mental performance coaches, US Performance Center offers an environment designed for excellence. This commitment to athlete-centered support is already bearing fruit, as the national team heads into a season that promises fierce competition.
The three back-to-back World Cups will provide a thrilling glimpse into the U.S. team’s prospects for the season. For the U.S. athletes, this summer is about more than just results. It’s about sharpening their skills, testing new strategies, and leveraging the unique support system that places them among the world’s elite. US Performance Center’s holistic approach to athlete development is giving the team a competitive edge—one they hope to showcase on the global stage.
Good luck to the U.S. Canoe Slalom & Kayak Cross National Team as they head into another season of international competition!