From Track to Water: An Athlete's Evolution

Laura Sugar MBE, the 34-year-old Welsh sensation who transitioned from Para-athletics to become canoeing's most dominant KL3 athlete, enters Milan's Idroscalo Olympic Basin seeking her fifth world championship crown. Fresh off her June 2025 European Championship victory in Racice, Sugar remains undefeated in major international competitions since 2021.

The Champion's Mindset

"When I line up at the start gate, I see water – not rivals," Sugar told BBC Sport Wales. "That focus helped me through the organizational changes at Paddle UK this year. New coaches meant adapting techniques, but the core remains: paddle smarter, push harder."

Key Statistics:

• 4 World Championship golds (2021-2024)
• 2 Paralympic titles (Tokyo 2020, Paris 2024)
• 6 European Championship victories
• 0.87-second margin of victory at 2024 Worlds

Milan Showdown: What's at Stake

The 2025 championships (August 20-24) feature:

• 35 nations competing across 9 para-canoe classes
• Direct qualification points for 2026 Paralympics
• New GPS tracking technology for real-time speed analysis

The KL3 Contenders

While Sugar dominates headlines, challengers emerge:

1. Emma Wiggs (GBR): 2024 Worlds silver medalist
2. Fernanda Oliveira (BRA): Pan-American champion
3. Maryna Mazhula (UKR): European silver medalist

"The KL3 field's depth is terrifying," Sugar admitted. "At Euros, 0.5 seconds separated 2nd through 6th. One imperfect stroke could cost a podium."

Technical Evolution in Para-Canoe

Recent rule changes impact strategies:

• Revised boat specifications for improved stability
• Modified paddle length regulations
• Enhanced classification protocols

"We've spent 200+ hours analyzing stroke rates and body angles with the new tech team," revealed Sugar's coach, Dr. Alistair McKay. "Laura's ability to maintain 95 strokes/minute while optimizing glide phase separates her."

Upcoming Schedule (CEST):

• Aug 22: KL3 Heats (09:00)
• Aug 23: Semifinals (14:30)
• Aug 24: Finals (16:45)

Live Coverage: BBC Sport, Paralympic Channel, & Discovery+