Red Bull?s Youngest and Most Decorated Paddler Makes America Proud With Pan American Gold Ahead of Paris 2024

Growing up in Sylva of North Carolina, this paddler’s roots w?r? firmly int?rtwin?d with the bustling beauty of mother nature. Her parents, who first crossed paths as river guide instructors and later tied the knot, imparted their unwavering love for the great outdoors to their daughter. While they never imposed their passion for kayaking on her, she had an initial desire from an early age to follow a similar steady course on her own kayaking journey. This shows the profound influence of a supportive family and shared interests in shaping an individual’s hobbies and pursuits.

Whitewater rafting has always been part of Evy Leibfarth?s life. Her mother is a former paddling instructor, and her father, now her coach, was a slalom racer. Leibfarth was headed toward a spot in the Pam American Game Championship to earn a golden bronze at the highest-stakes race outside the event. She has just titillated fans with her most recent win and is in the running for a spot in the 2024 Olympics.

Red Bull’s paddling pro became Pan-American glory

Under the umbrella term of canoe slalom, Leibfarth most often races on whitewater in solo kayaks (K1) and solo canoes (C1). She began to compete internationally since 2019, winning her first gold medal at the Women’s K1 event. Her unwavering dedication pushed her toward the victory she achieved today. The oarswoman took to Instagram to post about her success at the Pan-Am Games, with the caption, “2023 Pan-American Games champion Really happy I was able to go out and give it my all out there Congrats to @omiramaria??and?@leabaldoni “

Even before she got her own kayak at a very young, discernible age, she was riding rivers on her dad?s lap. ?I?d always tell him, ?Faster! Faster!” Evy Leibfarth says. The experience proved invaluable as she watched and learned from the top women in Europe, the powerhouses of the sport.

Paddling sensation aspired to be a doctor!

Evy Leibfarth’s dream to become a doctor came from an early paddling experience. As a kid, Leibfarth was watching a race at the Nantahala Outdoor Center when she tripped and hit her head. A paddler saw her as he was taking off from the river and came over to make sure she was okay. ?He was a doctor, and I called him the kayak doctor and I thought he was the coolest person ever,? she said. The “kayak doctor” stood as th? catalyst of inspiration for Li?bfarth, igniting h?r passion with their remarkable river-side aid.

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Evy Leibfarth acquired her first US National Championship in C1 in 2016 when she also daringly finished 6th in K1 at the Olympic Team Trials. Among her successes the following year were winning the ECA Junior Cup Championship, taking two titles at the US Junior Olympic Championships, and capturing gold and silver at the US Senior National Team Trials. We wish her all the luck for her upcoming events, as she is sure to dazzle everybody with her rowing knowledge and indubitable skill set.

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