Name: Michal Smolen

Sport: American Canoe

Discipline(s): Canoe Slalom

Event(s): MK-1

Height: 5-11

Weight: 155

DOB: 9/13/1993

Birthplace: Krakow, Poland

Hometown: Charlotte, N.C.

College: DeVry University '22, Business Communications

Team/Club: Nantahala Racing Club

Coach(es): Rafal Smolen

Olympic Experience

• Two-time Olympian (2016, 2020)
• Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, 5th (K1)
• Olympic Games Rio 2016 – 12th (Single Kayak MK-1)

World Championship Experience

• 2015 World Championships: Bronze
• 2014 World Championships: 14th
• 2014 U-23 World Championships: Gold
• 2013 World Championships: 39th
• 2012 U-23 World Championships: 5th

Other Career Highlights

• 2021 U.S. Team Trials: 1st
• 2021 World Cup (Prague): 5th
• 2021 World Cup (Markkleeberg, Germany): 7th
• 2019 U.S. Team Trials: 1st
• 2017 World Cup (Ivera, Italy): 2nd in K1
• 2017 Oceania Championships: 1st
• 2016 World Cup No. 5: 9th
• 2016 World Cup No. 4: 10th
• 2016 U.S. Olympic Team Trials: 1st in K1 and 2nd in C2 with Zach Lokken
• 2015 Pan American Games: GOLD
• 2014 World Cup No. 4: 12th
• 2014 World Cup No. 3: BRONZE
• 2013 World Cup Final: 39th, SILVER in Team K1
• 2012 U.S. National Champion in K1
• 2012 US Olympic Team Trials: 2nd
• 2011 Vadja Teen Cup: FIRST overall
• 2010 Junior World Championships: 4th

Personal: Nickname is "Meesh"...Was born and raised in Krakow, Poland until he was 10 years old...Hobbies include playing guitar, traveling and coaching...His dad, Rafal Smolen, was on the Polish National Team...His mother was on the Polish national team for handball...Role Model is Campbell Walsh

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