Lee Valley White Water Centre celebrates athletes shining through in Paris Olympics
Two medals have already been won by Team GB's white water squad
The Hertfordshire training grounds for the canoe and kayak athletes competing in the Paris 2024 Olympics is celebrating the success of its stars.
Starting with a bronze medal won by Kimberley Woods last Sunday and followed by silver for Adam Burgess won only three days ago, there is still more to come from the team next week.
At Lee Valley White Water Centre, it's about celebrating the success of the athletes training there all year round, but it also is an opportunity to encourage a next generation to get in the water and pick up a paddle.
Stephen Bromberg, Head of Communications at Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, said: "The staff here know them really, really well and we're all really invested in their success, and I think to see Kimberly and Adam medallists is a fantastic feeling and there's still more competition to come."
"It culminates in the kayak cross where all of the team will be taking part. And that is a really thrilling sport.
"While the British team train here and it's really exciting, I think for regular members of the public to come along to a venue and see stars on the water, just arms length away from them, is amazing."
"It's also about giving people anyone an opportunity to raft to learn canoeing and kayaking, to take part in activities."
The Centre was originally constructed for the 2012 Olympic Games, and continues to be a cornerstone for both elite athletes and the local community.
The centre was part of a broader vision for a white water facility that predates London’s successful Olympic bid. The incorporation of these plans into the Olympic framework ensured that the facility would serve long-term purposes beyond the immediate needs of the Games.
This included the development of a second course, known as the Legacy Loop. This additional course offers a more gentle experience compared to the main Olympic competition course, making the centre accessible to a broader range of users.
Since the 2012 Games, the centre has hosted over 4 million visitors, with 600,000 participating in paddle sports.
It has been the venue for four major events post-2012, continuing to attract both spectators and participants.
Mr Bromberg said: "Not for this Olympics, but maybe the next one or the one after, I think you'll probably see a very large contingent made-up of local people from around this area who frankly would never have thought of picking up a paddle if this centre hadn't been here."
"So in terms of legacy, it's about opening up opportunity, giving people the chance to try something new of all ages, from whatever background."
Kimberly Woods and other notable athletes such as Adam Burgess and Mallory Franklin, have become advocates for the centre and its programs.
The training and support provided here have been pivotal in Team GB’s impressive performances over the past Olympic cycles.