Canoeing Competitor Aigner Forced to Withdraw from World Cup's Opening Due to Injury

Competitor Aigner forced to exit World Championship due to health issue - Rowing athlete Aigner has to forfeit the World Cup commencement due to injury

Hannes Aigner, a prominent kayaker in the canoe slalom discipline, has announced his withdrawal from the ongoing World Championships in Australia. The 36-year-old German athlete has been forced to pull out of the competition due to an abdominal muscle injury.

Aigner, who finished sixth at the World Cup final in Augsburg, was expected to participate in both the individual event and the non-Olympic team competition. His absence leaves a significant gap in the German team's lineup.

Coach Klaus Pohlen expressed his disappointment at Aigner's withdrawal, stating that it is another setback for the team, as they have lost two experienced athletes. Pohlen was referring to Aigner and Canadian specialist Sideris Tasiadis, who also withdrew due to injuries.

The German team had high hopes for the World Championships, with Aigner's participation contributing to their medal prospects. However, with his withdrawal and no replacement nomination, the German team's participation in the event has been cancelled.

The identity of the replacement candidate for Aigner at the German Canoe Slalom World Championships in Australia is not yet publicly specified.

Despite the setbacks, the World Championships in Australia continue to attract top canoe slalom kayakers from around the world. The sport involves navigating a kayak through a series of upstream and downstream gates as quickly as possible, while maintaining control and avoiding penalties for missing gates or touching the water with the paddle.

Aigner remains hopeful about his future in the sport, expressing his intention to compete again at the 2026 World Championships in Oklahoma City. Until then, the German team will regroup and prepare for future competitions.