Origin

Many years ago, canoeing began as a mode of transport. Canoes were used for fishing and hunting, and as a means for carrying soldiers into battle. There are two basic types of canoe. The original canoe, an open-topped bark canoe, was a dug-out type developed by Native North Americans. In the northern Arctic regions, the Aleuts and Inuits developed the close-topped kayak, which kept the frigid Arctic waters from entering the canoe. The kayaks were made by stretching animal skins over a frame of wood.

Competition in canoes began in the mid-19th century. The Royal Canoe Club of London was formed in 1866 and was the first organisation interested in developing the sport. In 1871 the New York Canoe Club was founded. Today competition is contested in either Canadian style canoes, similar to the dug-out Indian style canoe, or kayaks.

World championships in canoeing began in 1938. The first international federation to govern canoeing was the Internationale Representantskapet för Kanotidrott (IRK) which was formed in 1924. After World War II, this organisation was succeeded by the Fédération Internationale de Canoë (FIC).

(BOCOG)

Preview for Team China

Yang Wenjun and Meng Guanliang will be China's best canoeing medal prospects in Beijing where they will defend their gold medal.

They stunned audiences when they won in Athens in the men's C2 500m after a photo finish.

For the Beijing Games, Yang, 25, has given up his bid for a single gold in order to combine in the doubles with Meng, 31, one last time.

But, according to Fu Shunrong, a senior coach close to the Chinese team, the pair face tough challenges from Russia, Hungary, Great Britain and Germany in the event.

Though Yang was on his way to become one of the best single canoeists, he gave up his single event at the Beijing Games to try for a gold medal in the doubles.

His place will be taken in the singles C1500m by young 19-year-old prospect Li Qiang, who is seen as a potential medal hope.

(China Daily August 5, 2008)