Dana Chladek (USA)

Dana Chladek is the only American to win two medals in Olympic canoe slalom. Chladek won a bronze medal in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics in La Seu d’Urgell followed by a silver medal in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics on the Ocoee River. More remarkable is that she bounced back from shoulder surgery in 1995 to make her second US Olympic Team. Chladek overcame a harsh first run flip with an incredible second run, which equaled the gold medalist’s best run, earning Chladek a second Olympic medal for the USA. She was a member of the US Team from 1983 to 1987 and from 1987 to 1996. She was the US National Champion in K1W three times (1987, 1990, and 1993), as well as a Mixed C2 Champion in 1985 with David Paton. She was recognized as the USA Canoe Kayak Female Athlete of the Year 1989, 1991, 1992, and 1996.

Beyond her pursuit of excellence as a competitor, Dana inspired and set an example for the next generation of US slalom paddlers as the Coach and Race Director for the Potomac Whitewater Club,  based on the Potomac River in the Washington D.C. area. Chladek and her team of coaches oversaw whitewater training programs for young people who were intent on pursuing high levels of excellence, including Olympic and World Cup level competition. Among her mentees was her daughter Maya, who made the 2015 and 2016 U.S. Junior National Team in K1. 

Dana was a business entrepreneur as president of Rapidstvle, a manufacturer of whitewater paddling clothing. She was also a British Canoe Union [now Paddle UK] sea kayaking coach.

• 1996 Olympic Games, Ocoee River, Georgia, USA, Olympic silver medal
• 1992 Olympic Games, La Seu d’Urgell, Spain, Olympic bronze medal
• 1988 World Cup overall Europe & USA Gold Medal, inaugural season
• 1991 World Championships, Tacen, Yugoslavia, silver medal and team bronze
• 1989 World Championships, Savage River. Maryland. USA, silver medal and team silver