Huntsville’s 16-year-old slalom kayaker, Tyler Gevaert, has earned funding and an accelerated path to the Olympics after impressing scouts at the RBC Training Ground national final in Halifax.

Gevaert was one of over 2,500 athletes competing for a spot in the final, where only 30 athletes were selected for funding.

The program helps athletes discover the Olympic sport best suited to their talents through a series of tests.

The funding will support training, equipment, and travel costs.

Photo by Kevin Light