This August, the picturesque Grandtully rapids in Scotland are set to become the epicenter of European wildwater canoeing as they host the 2026 ECA Wildwater Junior and Under 23 European Championships. This eagerly anticipated event will gather the finest young paddlers from across the continent, offering them a challenging stage to demonstrate their prowess and endurance.

The championships, scheduled from August 12-15, are specifically designed for junior and under-23 athletes, providing an invaluable opportunity for rising stars to compete at the highest international level. Participants will navigate a demanding natural river course, testing their technical skills, physical stamina, and strategic thinking in both classic and sprint disciplines. Beyond the thrill of competition, the event aims to foster a spirit of international camaraderie and personal growth among the next generation of wildwater athletes.

Grandtully boasts a rich history of hosting national wildwater and slalom races. However, this year marks a significant milestone as it prepares to welcome its inaugural international wildwater racing competition. Alison Byers, Chair of Paddle Scotland, expressed immense pride in hosting the championships, emphasizing Grandtully's status as an iconic paddlesport venue. She highlighted the River Tay's high-quality whitewater and the region's stunning scenery as an ideal backdrop for athletes and supporters alike.

In preparation for the European Championships, the second round of junior and under-23 selections recently concluded on the River Tay. Despite varying water levels, the competition proved to be a rigorous test, offering excellent training for the upcoming Euros. The sprint events on Saturday saw Kerry Christie dominate the women's U23 K1, while Elsie Landsborough secured victory in the junior category, performances they mirrored in Sunday's classic races.

The women's C1 category witnessed intense competition, with Freya Pryce claiming the win, closely followed by Kerry Christie. Elsie Landsborough once again shone in the Junior Women's C1. In the women's C2, Juniors Elsie Landsborough and Ciara Meloney triumphed in both sprint and classic events, with Ada Czarnecka and Freya Pryce close behind. The men's events were equally thrilling, with Leon Tomlinson winning both K1 sprint and classic, and Andrew Crowhurst excelling in the C1 races.

The junior men's C1 category saw emerging talents vie for team spots, while Andrew Crowhurst and Phil Dean, though ineligible for selection, won the men's C2. Leon Tomlinson and Huw Singleton secured the classic win, and Harry Sewell-Catchpole and Eddie Mackintosh took the sprint. Finn Lovell and Sebastian Reeves dominated the junior men's C2 in both disciplines. These selection races provided crucial preparation and demonstrated the depth of talent within the British wildwater team.

The upcoming European Championships at Grandtully promise an exciting display of talent and sportsmanship. The event is a testament to the dedication of athletes, coaches, and volunteers who contribute to the vibrant wildwater racing community. Spectators can anticipate thrilling races and a memorable experience in the heart of Scotland's natural beauty.