"Since the water fluctuates so much, being able to know how the river or whitewater course is going to push your boat is one of the essential skills."
Devin McEwan
Connecticut native Devin McEwan will follow in his father’s footsteps when he competes in this year's Olympic Games in Rio. His father, Jamie McEwan, was a two-time Olympian who competed as an American slalom canoeist in 1972 and 1992.
Speaking from Brazil on WNPR's The Colin McEnroe Show, the younger McEwan explained the key to great whitewater slalom competitors.
“It's mostly just this water knowledge, this inarticulable feel for the water, an ability to read the water," said McEwan. "Since the water fluctuates so much, being able to know how the river or whitewater course is going to push your boat is one of the essential skills.”
The elder McEwan participated in the competition's debut in the Olympics during the 1972 Munich Games and 44 years later, his son makes his debut in the same event.
McEwan will compete in slalom canoe as part of the U.S. Olympic Canoe and Kayak Team on Monday.
Listen to Devin McEwan's full interview with Colin McEnroe:
If you're not familiar with canoe slalom, watch the Olympics' quick guide to canoe events:
The 2016 Olympic Games in Rio will hold their opening ceremony on Friday.
Tucker Ives contributed to this post.
