Oklahoma City, OK (July 26, 2024) – The Road to Paris runs through Oklahoma City for at least three athletes who will be competing in the 2024 Olympic Games. In April, Casey Eichfeld and Evy Liebfarth qualified for the Games at the US Olympic Team Trials for Canoe Kayak Slalom and Kayak Cross held at RIVERSPORT OKC.  

 

“These athletes and others on the canoe/kayak national team have spent a lot of time in Oklahoma City competing in various events over the years,” said Mike Knopp, executive director of RIVERSPORT. “We are so proud of what they accomplished and are honored to be part of their journey.” 

 

In rowing, sculler Michele Sechser rowed at the University of Tulsa before training for a period at RIVERSPORT’s OKC National High Performance Center. “Michelle has gone on to train around the world,” Knopp said, “but we will always count her as family here at RIVERSPORT. We can’t wait to watch her race in the women’s lightweight doubles event.”  

 

Knopp will be traveling to Paris for the Olympic Games as well. “I’ll be cheering on Team USA, of course,” Knopp said. “But it’s also an opportunity to meet with the international leaders in the sport and network with Federations from around the globe. With Oklahoma City hosting a World Ranking event next spring and then the hosting the Canoe Slalom World Championships in 2026, we expect to have athletes from around the world coming to Oklahoma City to train and perhaps even move here.” 

 

The Paris Olympic Games can be watched live at https://olympics.com/en/live/ or on Peacock and through the local NBC affiliate, KFOR-TV. The full competition schedule for Paris Games can be found online at https://olympics.com/en/news/olympic-games-paris-2024-full-schedule-and-day-by-day-competitions.  

 

About the Athletes 

 

Evy Liebfarth: A Rising Star in Canoe Slalom 

Evy Liebfarth has qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics, marking another milestone in her impressive career. Evy first tried kayaking at the age of four and quickly developed a passion for the sport. Evy made her World Cup debut at just 15 years old in 2019, securing a third-place finish in her first race. Since then, she has continued to excel, with numerous accolades and strong performances on the international stage. 

 

Evy Liebfarth’s Olympic Events and Schedule:  

Women's Canoe (WC1) 

Women's Kayak (WK1) 

Women's Extreme Kayak (WX1) 

Full schedule here: https://olympics.com/en/paris-2024/schedule/canoe-slalom 

 

Follow Evy’s journey on Instagram: @evykayak 

 

Casey Eichfeld: A Veteran Canoe Slalom Competitor 

Casey Eichfeld, a seasoned athlete with three Olympic Games under his belt, will be competing in the Men's Canoe Single (MC1) event. With his earliest memories on the water alongside his father, Casey has dedicated his life to the sport and often takes time to mentor local kids interested in slalom. 

 

Casey Eichfeld’s Olympic Events and Schedule: 

Men's Canoe Single (MC1) 

Full schedule here: https://olympics.com/en/paris-2024/schedule/canoe-slalom 

 

Follow Casey’s journey on Instagram: @themadkanuer 

 

Michele Sechser: Leading the Charge in Rowing 

Michele Sechser, a distinguished rower, will compete in the Paris Olympics, bringing her experience and determination to the international stage. As a key figure in the rowing community, Michele’s dedication and passion for the sport have inspired many. 

 

Michele Sechser’s Olympic Events and Schedule: 

Women’s Lightweight Double Sculls (LW2x) 

Full schedule here: https://olympics.com/en/paris-2024/schedule/rowing 

 

Watch and Support These Athletes 

RIVERSPORT encourages everyone to tune in and support these amazing athletes as they compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Stay connected with us on social media for updates and follow along with our executive director Mike Knopp as he attends the Paris Olympic games.