St Petersburg, Russia 17 November - At the 34th International Canoe Federation Ordinary Congress, ICF President, Jose Perurena, was the sole candidate and was reelected with 81 votes for and 9 abstentions.

In the much-anticipated election for the position of 2nd Vice President, Joao Costa Alegre of Sao Tome at Principe defeated the incumbent, Australian Richard Fox, by 52 votes to 40.

Elected to the position 4 years previously, Fox was seen by many as too progressive on the evolution of the Olympic program and on improving the ICF’s position on gender equity.

In contrast, Costa Alegre seemed to benefit from block votes from the Asian, African and American continents, eager to have stronger continental representation on the ICF Executive.

Fox congratulated his African opponent saying,

The ICF has significant challenges ahead including improving opportunities for developing nations and I wish Joao well in his new role on the Executive.

“I would like to thank the President and my ICF colleagues for the opportunity of serving the ICF and I now look forward to supporting the development of canoeing in other ways and to promoting our sport”, Fox said.

One area Fox will be watching closely will be how the ICF develops a strategic approach to the future shape of canoeing in the Olympic program.

“Canoeing did exceptionally well at the London Olympics thanks to LOCOG’s organization and presentation, the sport now has a chance to modernize its approach to become even more attractive building on its successes and by diversifying the events and opportunities”.

Feedback on social media

"Crazy, there goes my last bit of trust in the ICF. Richard was the only one willing to stick out his head and try to innovate a little, even if that meant that some would disagree. Too progressive, they mean the only one not 50 years behind! Another piece of evidence that it's all about politics and keepings hands above each others heads, rather than actual paddling. Sad day for the sport."

Mark Proctor on Twitter - "Interesting to see that Richard Fox wasn't re-elected for Vice President of the ICF. You couldn't find someone with better knowledge."

Staniliya Stamenova - "He built step by step to future, but they cut him wings.We need more flexible and up-looking people who want to protect our human rights."