The 2026 African Rafting Championships and World Rafting Cup continued to deliver spectacular whitewater action on day two in Sagana - Kenya, as athletes tackled the most anticipated RX discipline. For several competing nations, navigating the format was a completely new experience. However run after run the learning curve gave way to a surge of pure competitiveness and undeniable fun, showcasing the absolute class and sportsmanship of the worldwide rafting community. A huge congratulations to the entire Local Organizing Committee, the safety team and more, volunteers, judges and every single person working behind the scenes. Delivering an event of this scale with 62 teams from around the world is an incredible achievement and the professionalism on display made it possible!
In the African Rafting Championships, regional rivalries fueled electrifying races. Uganda’s UGA 2 squad delivered a stunning performance in the Mixed category, taking the top RX spot and besting Kenya's KEN 1. The host nation, however, successfully defended its home waters across multiple divisions. Kenyan teams dominated the Women's category, with KEN 2 and KEN 3 securing the top two positions, while KEN 1 stood uncontested at the summit of the Para-Rafting RX podium. In the Men's category, KEN 2 claimed a hard-fought victory, with an impressive Moroccan team (MAR 1) pushing them to the limit to finish second.
Simultaneously, the World Rafting Cup brought global heavyweights into the Kenyan rapids. Italy (ITA 1) proved to be a dominant force, securing first place in both the Women's and Para-Rafting RX finals. The Czech Republic (CZE 1) showed clinical precision to win the World Cup Men's RX, edging out ITA 1. In the fiercely contested World Cup Mixed RX, AIN 3 seized the gold, with ITA 1 and AIN 1 rounding out the podium.
From rookies testing their lines for the very first time to seasoned veterans battling blade-to-blade for crucial points, the RX discipline in Sagana was a triumph of outdoor sports progression. As the competition looks ahead to the Slalom events, the energy on the banks of the river remains at an all-time high!
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