Olympic Sprint Racing is the marquee program of the Washington Canoe Club. Consequently, the WCC offers training from introduction to the Olympic level in the Olympic sport of Sprint Canoe/Kayak. We support competitive Outrigger Teams and Masters Sprint Canoe/Kayak Team and have several members who compete in Marathon Canoe/kayak racing and standard canoe racing.

The Washington Canoe Club is significant for its role in the development of Sprint Canoe/Kayak racing in Olympic competition. The club, competing for the United States, and introducing the sport as a demonstration event at the 1924 Olympics in Paris, won three of the six events raced. The team was made up of Charles Havens, Karl Knight, Harry Knight, and Hank Larcombe. Because only six countries had teams, Sprint Canoe/Kayak racing did not become an Olympic sport until 1936. A formidable precedent was set in 1924 and the Washington Canoe Club has lived up to it by qualifying athletes since then, through the 1996 Olympic Games, for all but the 1936 Olympic Games. The club has produced numerous national champions and Olympic medal winners. Frank Havens' 1948 Silver and 1952 Gold medals, the Silver medal won by Francine Fox and Gloriane Perrier in 1964, and Norman Bellingham's gold medal in the 1988 Olympic Games were highlights for the club.

Today, celebrating our 102nd anniversary, the Washington Canoe Club continues its strong traditions of excellence in canoeing. Young athletes are introduced to Sprint Canoe/Kayak racing, and are provided instruction and coaching to help them develop their potential in the sport. Club members continue to be involved in administration and organization of canoeing at the national level. Athletes are keeping the Olympic flame in focus as the Games draw near. The club continues to provide the support and encouragement that has been the trademark of the most prominent club in the history of U.S. canoeing to all its athletes -whether Olympic Gold medallist or weekend recreational paddler.

Our competitive programs include sprint, marathon, and outrigger canoe racing. Additional information about these programs can be found at the following links:

Sprint Canoe and Kayak Program

Marathon Canoe Program

Outrigger Canoe Program

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