Andorran Canoeist Mònica Doria Targets Finals at ICF Slalom Worlds in Oklahoma

Andorran slalom canoeist Mònica Doria is preparing for the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships in Oklahoma City, aiming to reach the finals in both C1 and K1 events before targeting podium finishes.

Doria and her coach, Cristian Tobio, arrived at the venue a week ago to train on the course, which they first visited in March. Initial delays in shipping boats set back preparations, but recent sessions have focused on adapting to the layout's changes. The athlete described the process of understanding the channel's demands, noting its steep drops and high water speed that require rapid reactions. Tobio added that the nearly straight design channels water centrally at great velocity, creating more movements and demanding greater technical precision. "We needed to grasp the channel better," he said. "The speed is consistent, but each section now calls for different actions. We have four or five more sessions to fine-tune."

Doria, who trains at La Seu d'Urgell, enters the event starting next Monday with confidence from her season-opening World Cups in Prague and Augsburg. She reached the C1 finals both times, placing 10th and 9th, her strongest results. Kayak proved more challenging, with finishes of 17th and 42nd, plus 19th in kayak cross before missing the second event's quarterfinals. "These races let us gauge the competition and our progress," she said. "Everyone is improving, but our technical work paid off—I'm pleased with the C1 finals, showing our potential."

The championships introduce the first points for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics qualification. Doria views it as a long-term process without extra pressure. "It's the initial scoring event, but just like any other Worlds," she said. "I must perform here and in upcoming races." She treats each competition afresh, ignoring past results or favorites. Tobio confirmed her excellent condition: "Mònica is in perfect shape."

Unlike World Cups' direct finals format without preliminaries—which demands flawless first runs—the Worlds include qualifying, semifinals, and finals for a gradual buildup. Tobio contrasted the Oklahoma course sharply with La Seu d'Urgell: "It's like comparing apples and oranges." Doria emphasized controlling her own run over rivals' mistakes, stressing a clear descent plan and recovery from errors.