Bursting with energy, determination, and an infectious smile, Nicole Wambui Kariuki (KEN) made her international debut at the Canoe Slalom World Championships, proudly representing Kenya as part of the ICF Development Squad.

Although her first competition run ended with a swim, Kariuki embraced the challenge with enthusiasm and gratitude:

“Honestly, that was super great, super much fun. It is definitely a challenge, but I feel like this water really was creating strength and resilience in me. I had so much fun, and I’m so grateful. Thank you guys for hosting us.”

Kariuki’s journey is remarkable. Having been in the sport for just five months, she has already advanced from the Tana River in Kenya to the world stage. Supported by the ICF Development Squad, she has received coaching, equipment, and the chance to compete against the world’s best.

“They’ve been incredible in terms of being patient with the levels that we’re at, and also supporting us with equipment and understanding slalom as a sport,” Kariuki said. “We want to bring it to Kenya. We have the rivers. We have the talent, for sure. We just need to set up the gates and get some structure behind it. Programs like this really help for us in the bigger scale of things.”

Getting to the event was no small feat. Visa issues prevented her teammate from joining her, and travel expenses remain a challenge, but Kariuki remains optimistic:

“Things have changed a lot over the past couple of years, especially with the support from the government, so we want to continue getting that support, and also from the ICF and maybe NOC as well.”

Her roots in paddling go back to the family-owned Jangwani Camp on the Tana River, where rafting is a way of life. Seeing her potential, local guides encouraged her to step into a kayak, and within months she was training at international level.

“Being here after five months is quite intense and insane, but I’m so grateful,” she added. “I definitely want to keep going, and also encourage other girls in Kenya to continue paddling. We’re capable of it.”

Looking ahead, Kariuki is determined to grow the sport in Kenya:

“I really want to help push opening a kayaking club in Kenya. That’s what we’re working on now, getting more women, girls, and youth on the water. The rivers are there, the talent is there. They’re beautiful, and everyone is welcome to Kenya. The main next thing is pushing the sport.”

With her passion, resilience, and pioneering spirit, Nicole Wambui Kariuki has not only announced herself as an exciting new talent but also as a trailblazer for canoe slalom in Africa.