American slalom canoeist Casey Eichfeld seeks first Olympic podium on record fourth try
Casey Eichfeld has qualified for the Olympics in canoe slalom, becoming the first American to qualify for four Olympics in slalom
By Cliff Brunt
Published - Jun 25, 2024, 11:07 AM ET
Last Updated - Jun 25, 2024, 11:07 AM EDT
Three years ago, Casey Eichfeld pondered retirement.
The American slalom canoeist competed at the Summer Olympics in 2008, 2012 and 2016. After failing to qualify for the Tokyo Games in 2021, doubt crept in.
“This far into my career, I’m missing an Olympics,” he recalled. “It definitely makes you wonder if that’s it for you. Is it time to be done? Is it time to move on?”
He stuck with it, and now he has qualified for the Paris Olympics in canoe singles. At age 34, he’s the first American to qualify for four Olympics in slalom.
