Bryson City Kayaker Paddles From Nantahala to Paris Olympics and Returns with a Bronze Medal

Evy Leibfarth, a 20-year-old Bryson City native, brought home the Bronze Medal in Canoe Slalom C-1 event from the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. She is the latest in a succession of 23 Olympians since 1972 –  including two Olympic Gold Medalists – who have trained at the internationally known Nantahala Outdoor Center,

Evy. the daughter of two whitewater paddlers, Lee Leibfarth and Jean Folger, first tried kayaking at age four. With her father as her coach, at age 15, she competed in her first ICF World Cup event. By 2018 she was collecting medals, including the 2018 U.S. National Champion in WK1 and Vice-Champion in WC1. As a member of Team USA, she competed at age 16 in the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Evy says, “I’ve always loved to compete, and I spent five years as a competitive gymnast before settling on canoe slalom full-time. I love the way a slalom boat moves through the water, the feeling I get when I go fast, and the challenge of negotiating the gates. Canoe slalom has shown me the world, introduced me to new friends and cultures, and given me the chance to train outside, with amazing people, all while pushing myself to be the best athlete and person I can be.”