Thomas Konietzko has been re-elected as President of the International Canoe Federation, vowing to ensure the global governing body for paddle sports is ‘fit for the future’ with a comprehensive organisational review.
Konietzko, who has led the ICF since 2021, stood unopposed at the elections held at the organisation’s Congress in Antalya, Turkey as he secured a second term at the helm.
China’s Li Xin has become the new Treasurer, with Spain’s Lluis Rabaneda i Caselles, Argentina’s Cecilia Farias and Italy’s Luciano Buonfiglio remaining as Vice Presidents.
Richard Fox has been elected as the new Chair of the ICF Canoe Slalom Committee. The multiple world champion replaces Jean-Michel Prono who has departed after 20 years in the role.
The elections for Committee Chairs saw Great Britain’s Greg Smale (Canoe Polo) and Terry Best (Canoe Freestyle) both re-elected, alongside Jane Gibson who has been elected as Chair of the ICF Medical and Anti-Doping Committee, having taken on the role on an interim basis.
All those elected at the ICF Congress will serve a four-year term from November 2024 to 2028.
The elections came after the Congress approved the ICF’s Fit for Future Evolution strategy that will see the organisation undergo a comprehensive organisational review over the next two years.
The ICF will aim to implement a plan with five focus areas culminating in the relaunch of the federation under the new name of Paddle Worldwide at its next Congress in 2026.
The new name was approved by the ICF Board in April before being endorsed at the Congress along with the Fit for Future Evolution strategy.
“A new brand and new name will showcase the vision that we have for further popularising paddle sports across the globe,” said ICF Secretary General Richard Pettit.
“Recognising the need to represent every paddle sport discipline and to embrace not only the competitive aspects of our sport but also its deep connection with nature, waterway preservation and expanding opportunities for all.
“We understand that rebranding the federation is a lot more than simply changing the name.
“We want to give ourselves the right amount of time to reshape our federation.
“That’s why we will undergo this comprehensive organisational review and make sure we are fit for every future generation to embrace and enjoy our sport.
“As part of this journey, we will hold the 2025 Paddle Sport Summit where we will bring our leadership together with all the disciplines, all committees and all stakeholders that can impact change for the future of paddle sport.
“We look forward to proudly and confidently relaunching our federation under the new name Paddle Worldwide in 2026.”
The ICF, which was formed in 1924, is celebrating its 100th anniversary at its Congress in Antalya.
On day 1 of the Congress, a rule change was passed to officially integrate Paracanoe races in the programme at Canoe Marathon competitions.
Gyor, Hungary will stage the first International Canoe Federation Canoe Marathon World Championships featuring official Paracanoe medal events in 2025.
These events include 6.8km for KL1 and VL1 and 10.2km for KL2, VL2, KL3 and VL3.
The ICF also announced that that it will establish its headquarters in Budapest, Hungary, following overwhelming support at its Congress.
Full details of the Congress can be found on the International Canoe Federation’s website.