Providence Athlete Takes on International Canoe Slalom Competition

Isabella Florisson recently competed in Sydney at her first international race, the Oceania Championships, where she raced against top athletes from around the world!

At just 14 years old, Izzy took on competitors four years older in the Junior Women’s category and achieved incredible results:

• 5th place in K1 (seated, double-bladed paddle)
• 4th place in C1 (kneeling, single-bladed paddle)

In the Kayak Cross Open Class, Izzy found herself in the same elimination heat as Paris Olympic Gold Medalist Noemie Fox and Silver Medalist Klaudia Zwolinska—an experience both challenging and inspiring!

Izzy’s second international race was the Australian Open Championships, where she once again raced against elite paddlers. Her results:

• 4th place in K1 (seated, double-bladed paddle)
• 3rd place in C1 (kneeling, single-bladed paddle)

For her podium finish, Izzy received a beautifully hand-painted boomerang, a special tradition of the Australian Open!

Though the Kayak Cross event saw her competing against world-class paddlers once more, Izzy embraced the challenge and loved every moment of the experience!

Congratulations, Isabella!