NOC’s Michal Smolen qualifies for Olympics

From Nantahala Outdoor Center:

Michal Smolen Becomes Nantahala Outdoor Center’s 23rd Olympic Athlete

Bryson City, N.C. (May 12, 2016)— When Team U.S.A. marches into the Olympic stadium this summer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil at the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympic Games, Michal Smolen will become NOC’s 23rd Olympian in the sport of Whitewater Canoe Slalom.

After delivering a bronze medal for the U.S. in the Men’s Kayak category at last year’s Canoe Slalom World Championships in London, England and earning critical points towards his Olympic Team selection, Michal, 22 years-old, officially punched his ticket to the Olympics in Rio with a decisive victory at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Charlotte, North Carolina. This will be Michal’s first time competing at the Olympic Games.

Michal’s “Road to Rio” started at NOC when he learned to paddle at the age of 9. “When I first started kayaking at NOC, I could just go out, have fun, and enjoy the sport with my friends.” said Michal, who was born in Poland. “But I also knew I could become a competitive kayaker in the future. The day I walk into the Olympic Stadium, dressed in my uniform, and have the U.S. flag on my back will be the proudest day of my life.”

This proud day will come on August 5th, 2016 for Michal and his fellow U.S. Olympic teammates and staff, which include his father, Rafal, National and Olympic Team Coach for U.S.A. Canoe/Kayak. Between now and then, Michal will attend camps on the Olympic whitewater channel in Rio, World Cup races in Europe, and will continue a rigorous “peak performance” training plan to ensure his best effort at the Olympic Games.

“Competitive paddlesports have had a profound impact on the culture and legacy of NOC. The work ethic of the athletes we support and culture of the events we host align with our commitment to the outdoors,” said Sutton Bacon, NOC’s Chief Executive Officer. “Michal’s pursuit of excellence personifies the spirit of the entire NOC community and we are honored to support his efforts.”

NOC’s spring and summer events offer guests a chance to experience the Olympic excitement, whether they visit for a weekend family adventure or for the opportunity to compete in the exciting sport of whitewater paddling. There’s something for guests of all ages and skill levels to enjoy.

Nantahala Racing Club Family Whitewater Weekend: May 28-29
Families and youth paddlers gather for a weekend of flat and whitewater activities, games and camaraderie. Participants are encouraged to challenge themselves to develop and use new skills in a fun, supportive environment and try their hand at all three competitive whitewater disciplines: slalom, freestyle and downriver. On Saturday afternoon, all are invited to race in a 5K Adventure Dash hosted by NOC, where runners will negotiate challenging obstacles on a dash to the finish line.

Nantahala Outdoor Center Olympic Day: June 18-19
Olympians of the past, present, and future will join in to celebrate the 2016 Games as we host slalom and downriver races. Olympians from various disciplines will be onsite to share their experiences, sign autographs and answer questions. They will also participate in activities including Raft Sprints, where they lead teams through Nantahala Falls, an open slalom race and the Southeastern Downriver Championship. Racers of all ages and boat types will race.

Sizzlin’ 4th of July Celebration: July 2-3
This 4th of July weekend, celebrate Team U.S.A. with rafting, zip lining, free live music, great sales at NOC’s Outfitter’s Store, and all-ages activities on and off the water.

Whitewater Junior Olympics: July 29-31
Nantahala Racing Club hosts the 2016 Whitewater Junior Olympics on the Nantahala River. This national-level youth event features slalom, downriver and freestyle competition as well as just-for-fun on- and off-the-water activities including a duckie-cross, SUP free paddle and yard games.

Learn more about NOC’s competitive edge in our newest video sharing the perspective of Michal Smolen, our founders, athletes, guides and future leaders at noc.com/competition-video. Visit noc.com for updates about Michal’s Olympic journey to Rio and his quest to win America’s first Olympic canoe/kayak medal in 12 years. For NOC’s complete event schedule, more information on each listing and a great selection of event photos visit noc.com/events.

About Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)

Nantahala Outdoor Center is the nation’s largest outdoor recreation company. Over a million guests visit NOC annually to embark on a diverse collection of more than 120 different river and land-based itineraries, learn to kayak at NOC’s world-renowned Paddling School, travel abroad with NOC’s Adventure Travel program, test the latest outdoor gear and shop at its LEED-certified flagship retail stores or enjoy NOC’s resort amenities such as its three restaurants and multi-tiered lodging. A privately-held company, NOC is one of the largest employers in Western North Carolina and 22 Olympians including two Olympic Gold Medalists have called NOC home. NOC has been recently recognized by The New York Times as the “Nation’s Premiere Paddling School,” “The Best Place to Learn” by Outside, and as “One of the Best Outfitters on Earth” by National Geographic Adventure.