Road to LA2028 begins for Aussie Canoe Sprint Team

The Australian Canoe Sprint team is gearing up for another exciting ICF World Cup season, with the first event kicking off in Szeged, Hungary on 8-10 May 2026.

The 16-member Australian squad is aiming for a powerful start, with these World Cup events representing the start of the qualification period for the LA2028 Olympic Games.

The 2025 Paddle Australia Paddler of the Year, New South Wales Institute of Sport scholarship holder, Natalia Drobot (pictured below) , and Olympic Gold medalist Tom Green will be strong podium contenders for the team this season. 

Green is looking forward to starting his 2026 campaign, and is channeling his focus on his performance at the early events.

“I just want to keep pushing for good results,” Green said. “I’m looking forward to seeing where I benchmark myself off the World Cup results from last year. For me, I’m looking at this as an opportunity to build into the World Championships and eventually LA2028,” he said. 

Green finished the 2025 season with a silver medal at the ICF Canoe Sprint and Para Canoe World Championships in the men’s K1 1000m event, and will be looking to go one better this year.

“You don’t go there to come second or third. Every time you race, you’re going for that win. It was very special to come second, but at the end of the day, I want to be in the best shape come LA2028.” 

Also joining the team and making her debut on the Senior Australian Canoe Sprint team is Olivia Clues, who will be racing in the women’s K4 and the K1 events, and is excited to be stepping up into the women’s senior team.

“I’m super excited to go away with all the girls. It’s been a big off-season so I’m keen for it all,” Clues said.  All the countries we’re competing in this year will be new for me. 

“I’ve been trying to soak everything up. The girls are super incredible in those strong team events, and they have medaled in this event, so I’m a bit nervous, but I’m really excited to step up to it.” said Clues. 

Racing gets underway on Friday May 8 from 5pm AEST. For the full schedule and results, click here.

AUSTRALIAN CANOE SPRINT TEAM

Men

Jackson Collins (QLD) –  MK4 500, MK2 500

Luke Egger (WA) – MK1 200

Riley Fitzsimmons (NSWIS) – MK4 500, MK2 500

Tom Green (QLD) – MK1 1000, MK2 500

Noah Havard (QLD) – MK2 500

Maguire Reid (SA) – MK1 1000

Jean Van der Westhuyzen (QLD) – MK4 500, MK1 500

Pierre Van der Westhuyzen (QLD) – MK4 500, MK1 500

Women

Alyssa Bailey (QLD) – WK1 1000, WK2 500

Claudia Bailey (QLD) – WK4 500, WK1 200

Ella Beere (NSWIS) – WK1 1000, WK2 500

Josie Bulmer (SA) – WC2 500, WC1 200

Olivia Clues (NSWIS) – WK4 500, WK1 200

Natalia Drobot (NSWIS) – WK4 500, WK1 500

Kailey Harlen (NSWIS) – WK4 500, WK1 500

Emily McMullen (SA) – WC2 500, WC1 200

Paddle Australia