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12:41 on 4th December 2007

While flat-water canoe and kayak racing is similar to rowing, slalom events are very specialised and more like downhill mountain-biking requiring quick reactions, timing, dexterity and physical strength.

Athletes travel down a 400m-long slalom course on turbulent white-water river-like rapids, having to stop, hold their position despite the fast currents and turn to adjust their course for the next in the tight, twisting sequence of 20-25 gates.

Events are held for both closed-topped canoes (in which the athletes paddle while kneeling) and kayaks (in which the athletes paddle while sitting). Both men and women compete in singles events, with a doubles canoeing event for men.

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