Friday, 7th February 2025

Paddling Glory in Tacen

Against the odds, Tacen bounced back from devastating floods to host the 2024 Canoe Slalom European Championships, delivering not only thrilling races but a powerful story of resilience and community spirit

The 2024 ECA I Feel Slovenia Canoe Slalom European Championships in Tacen, Slovenia, was a sporting spectacle wrapped in a story of resilience and determination. Held from May 15 to May 19, it was much more than just a championship – this event represented the indomitable spirit of the Slovenian people who rebuilt their beloved venue after devastating floods just nine months earlier. The backdrop for this European showdown was not just the roaring waters of the Sava River but a community that came together to make this event possible despite overwhelming odds.

A Course Steeped in History

Tacen, nestled near Ljubljana, is no stranger to international canoe slalom events. The Sava River has long provided the perfect natural rapids for canoe slalom, its tricky twists and turns testing the mettle of even the most seasoned athletes. The course is legendary in the canoeing world, having hosted the European Championships in 2005 and 2017, along with numerous World Cup events. With its blend of natural and man-made obstacles, Tacen is the kind of course that brings out the best (or worst) in athletes, demanding every ounce of skill and focus.

LOCATION
The championship takes place in Ljubljana, on the renowned rapids of the Sava River at Tacen, a premier venue for canoe slalom, which has hosted top-level competitions since.

2023: When the Floods Came

Everything was set for a renovation of Tacen’s upper section in late 2023, but nature had other plans. In August 2023, relentless floods ripped through the area, washing away critical infrastructure and leaving the course in tatters. In a matter of hours, years of plans quite literally fell into the water. What followed was a herculean effort to rebuild.

By the time the dust settled (or rather, the water receded), Tacen looked like a battlefield. One of the most iconic parts of the course—a small greenhouse at the top of the stands—was reduced to rubble, and much of the electrical and optical wiring lay in ruins. Entire sections of the course had to be rebuilt from scratch, including the gates system, a new metal bridge, and temporary stands to replace the ones that had been swept away.

From Devastation to Celebration

Fast forward to May 2024, and Tacen was transformed. The European Championships went ahead as planned, with athletes and spectators alike marvelling at the resilience of the Slovenian organizers. The venue had been polished up for the event with a new LED screen, upgraded stands, and a revitalized lower section of the course. Yes, the course had taken some battle scars, but the fresh concrete and gleaming structures told a story of determination and resourcefulness.

Athletes from across Europe descended on Tacen, eager to tackle the unforgiving Sava River. The kayak cross events were some of the highlights of the championship, with Swiss paddler Alena Marx grabbing not one but two gold medals—a remarkable feat.

SLOVENIAN SUCCESS
Slovenia’s canoeists have a strong tradition of excelling on their home course, having won 37 medals, including 14 golds, at this venue over the years.

Marx, whose cool under pressure made her a standout, won in both the individual and team events. The men’s side saw British canoeist Joseph Clarke take top honours, further solidifying his position as one of Europe’s elite paddlers.

The event also featured team and individual kayak slalom events, with razor-thin margins separating athletes as they navigated the intricate gates of the course. The Supersport 300 and Stock 1000 categories brought their own share of drama as young athletes jostled for supremacy in one of Europe’s most unpredictable rivers. Tacen’s natural rapids, always a tricky beast, added an element of excitement— and a touch of chaos—to the races.

More than Just a Race

But let’s be honest: this year’s European Championships was about more than just the racing. It was a testament to the human spirit’s ability to rebuild, to keep paddling through even the toughest rapids. Tacen’s revival wasn’t just about concrete and LED screens—it was about community, with local businesses and volunteers pitching in to bring the venue back to life.

YOUNG TALENT
The 2024 competition features rising stars like Lan Tominc, the Youth Olympic champion, and Žiga Lin Hočevar, a promising talent who secured two silver medals at the Junior European Championships.

The funds from ticket sales were reinvested into rebuilding the site, making it a self-sustaining effort. The championship also underscored how sport can become a symbol of resilience, reminding us that recovery is possible even after the most devastating setbacks.

A Future of Hope and High Waters

As the dust settles and the waters calm, Tacen’s future is one of hope. The scars left by the floods are a reminder of nature’s power, but they also serve as a badge of honor for what the Slovenian canoeing community has accomplished. The European Canoe Slalom Championships 2024 was a triumph not just of sport but of human willpower— a reminder that sometimes, the biggest victories happen off the course.

NEW DISCIPLINE
The event will feature Kayak Cross, the newest discipline in wildwater sports, which will debut at the Paris 2024 Olympics, further enhancing the competition’s significance

Looking Forward

For those lucky enough to attend the 2024 edition, the memory of those thrilling moments will be etched in their minds, but so too will the memory of Tacen’s comeback. The event was a perfect mix of high-speed thrills and heartwarming stories of community effort. With this year’s chapter now written, Tacen’s organizers look ahead to future championships, hoping to build on the momentum and keep the venue at the forefront of European canoeing.

ELITE PARTICIPATION
Athletes from 32 countries, spanning Europe, North and South America, Oceania, Asia, and Africa, compete in this event, showcasing the international prestige of the competition.

Jelena Arsovska, Executive director of AmCham North Macedonia

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