By Nick Butler

World Championship medal winners Megan Blunk and Ann Yoshida are two of the strongest hopes for Rio 2016 ©Team USAJanuary 3 - The United States has said it is targeting Paracanoe medals when the sport makes its Paralympic debut at the Rio 2016 Games after the nation's athletes experience a period of "rapid improvement" that saw them secure multiple medals at the 2013 World Championships in Duisburg.


Leading the way was Megan Blunk, who burst onto the scene with two silver medals in the women's K1 and V1TA (trunk and arms) category.

On each occasion she finished behind members of the dominant British team - namely Emma Wiggs and Jeanette Chippington - but she will be hoping to close the gap by Rio 2016.

Medals on the waters of Rio is the ultimate aim for the likes of Megan Blunk come the 2016 Paralympics ©Getty ImagesMedals on the waters of Rio is the ultimate aim for the likes of Megan Blunk come the 2016 Paralympics ©Getty Images

Anja Pierce, the lone US medallist from the 2012 World Championships, claimed a bronze medal in the women's V1 LTA category as she finished behind another British paddler Andrea Green, while Ann Yoshida won bronze in the women's V1 A arms-only final.

Racing for the Gig Harbor Canoe and Kayak Race Team, Blunk was also among the medallists at the US National Championships in Oklahoma City, while Kelly Allen, Nik Miller and Greg Crouse were other winners.

Meanwhile, at the sprint team trials at Lake Placid, David Etier led the way with three victories, while Carol Rogers, Ryan Padilla, Bob Balk and Vadim Kin also won to ensure World Championship qualification.

There was also success off the water when Balk was awarded the Paralympic Order by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) - the highest accolade available in the Movement - for his contribution to canoeing as well as many other sports.

Bob Balk (pictured front row, centre) was one of the four winners of the Paralympic Order in 2013 - presented in Athens by IPC President Sir Philip Craven ©George SantamourisBob Balk (pictured front row, centre) was one of the four winners of the Paralympic Order in 2013 - presented in Athens by IPC President Sir Philip Craven ©George Santamouris


US Canoe/Kayak Board President Bob Lally outlined how "having athletes on the podium is our number one goal" for Rio 2016.

"It's exciting for everyone," he added.

"We did that at the Worlds by winning four medals.

"This will generate momentum across the board to reach higher and dig deeper, which includes not only our athletes but our coaches, staff, Board and sponsors too.

"Going into the 2014 season, our programme and schedule will continue to mature and iron out the organisational and logistical opportunities that go with the Paracanoe discipline.

"Bottom line is we need to keep building on the foundation that has been set, recruit athletes and coaches to the programme and move forward with a strong and sustainable programme for 2016, 2020 and beyond."