Andorran Canoeist Mònica Doria Adapts to Oklahoma Rapids for ICF Slalom Worlds

Andorran slalom canoeist Mònica Doria continues adapting to the Riversport Rapids course in Oklahoma City ahead of the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships, set for July 20 to 26. The event marks a key step toward 2028 Los Angeles Olympic qualification.

Doria, who trains at La Seu d'Urgell, arrived with coach Cristian Tobio a week early to assess the channel, previously scouted in March. Recent changes in its configuration demand fresh adjustments to its steep drops and high water velocity, leaving little room for error. Doria said the initial days helped her explore the layout and regain familiarity with its demands. Tobio stressed the need to master each section's requirements, confirming her top condition. "She is perfect," he said, noting upcoming sessions will refine physical and technical elements.

The pair overcame early boat shipping delays, shifting focus to the course's demands for precise, rapid responses. Tobio described it as nearly straight, funneling water at high speed and requiring varied actions per segment. Doria enters with momentum from season-opening World Cups in Prague and Augsburg, where she qualified for C1 finals both times—10th and 9th—her best results yet. Kayak performances were tougher, with 17th and 42nd places, plus 19th in kayak cross before a quarterfinal miss in the second event.

Her primary goal: reach finals in both C1 and K1, positioning for top spots. Doria treats each race as a clean slate, prioritizing solid runs with clear plans over past outcomes or rivals' errors. "Every competition starts with a blank sheet," she said, satisfied with her technical progress in canoe. Tobio highlighted the Worlds' multi-stage format—qualifying, semifinals, finals—unlike World Cups' single-run pressure.

Doria sees no added Olympic pressure despite the first qualification points. "It's just another Worlds," she said. "I need to deliver here and in future events." Tobio compared the venue unfavorably to La Seu d'Urgell, calling them "apples and oranges."