Local athlete Michal Smiesko is heading to Europe after securing a spot on Canada’s National Canoe Slalom Team following a strong performance at the Canadian Team Trials on May 3-4, 2025.
The trials, held at the Tamihi Rapids — a site where Smiesko has honed his skills since he was 11 years old — saw the young athlete place sixth in the Men’s Kayak Selection Race and third in the U18 category. He finished behind Ontario’s Daniel Parry and Tyler Gevaert. Smiesko is the only British Columbian to make the junior roster for the national team.
Smiesko’s mother and coach, Stanislava Smieskova, expressed pride in her son’s achievement. “Michal was thrilled to secure a spot on the National Slalom Team and is pleased with his training progress this year,” she said. “We are looking forward to traveling to Europe for additional international competitions this season.”
Smiesko’s qualification marks a significant milestone in his career, with his eyes now set on competing at the Junior World Championships in France.