OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma City University's Jen Burke will represent the United States in World Cup kayak races in Europe in May.
Burke, a junior from San Diego, will team with Kaitlyn McElroy, an athlete training at the USRowing Canoe/Kayak High Performance Training Center at the Devon Boathouse on the Oklahoma River.
Burke and McElroy will compete in the ICF Canoe Sprint World Cup on May 20-22 in Racice, Czech Republic, then in Duisburg, Germany on May 27-29. They will race in the 200, 500 and 1,000 double races in the World Cup.
The two finished second in the 500-meter double kayak race during U.S. Team Trials in Chula Vista, Calif. Burke took fourth in the 500-meter single kayak, while McElroy took third in the 200-meter single kayak race.
“This is a major step forward for both of the girls and a fantastic opportunity to race against the very best in the world,” OCU coach Shaun Caven said. “Both girls are looking forward to the races and have been training hard in order to do their very best.”
Burke medaled in seven events in the USA Canoe/Kayak Collegiate Sprint Championships on May 6-7 in Gainesville, Ga. Burke took gold in the 5,000-meter women's open single kayak, 500 women's open single, 500 women's open double, 200 women's open double, 500 open four and 200 open four and silver in the 200 women's open single.
