Czech Floods Wreck Canoe Slalom Worlds Course

The International Canoe Federation is preparing backup plans for the slalom world championships after floodwaters in the Czech Republic wrecked the course.

Organizers say the swollen Vltava river “demolished the whole slalom course and the facilities” in the Troja district of Prague where the Sept. 11-15 event is scheduled.

ICF general secretary Simon Toulson says “we are waiting for further reports on the venue once the waters have subsided.”

Toulson says “in the event that the championships are not held, suitable contingency plans are being made; hopefully these will not need to be activated.”

Seven people have been reported dead in the Czech Republic in floods which have also swept through Germany.