Who is Eric Hurd?

Eric Hurd began paddling kayak at age 8 with his father on the Chattahoochee River in Atlanta, Georgia. Three years later, he began competing and has never stopped. Since 1997, Eric has competed nationally and internationally, vying for various titles and championships. His dreams of achieving an Olympic Gold Medal are close within reach. Eric’s training began at the “waterworks” in Atlanta- a single class II rapid with numerous gates set up for training during the week. On weekends he and his father would travel to the Nantahala Outdoor Center, in western North Carolina, for more extensive workouts on the Nantahala River. In August 2006, the US National Whitewater Center opened in Charlotte, North Carolina. Naturally, Eric moved to train on the hardest race course ever built in the country. Since moving to Charlotte, Eric has raced World Cup series, and in two US/National Team Trials. In the 2007 Team Trials, Eric placed 5th in the nation. In the 2008 trials, which helped to determine the Olympic slate of racers, Eric’s race improved dramatically and he placed 4th overall, only fractions away from the US Olympic team. He secured a Silver Medal (2nd place finish) in the Pan-American Championship, which was concurrent on the second day of the national racing.
Overall, the sport has enabled Eric’s incredible work ethic and dedication to shine, as he is a strong-willed and big-hearted athlete. The future is very promising for Eric Hurd, and in the last years not only has his racing improved and matured, but he has taken on other roles in the local community such as volunteering for organizations like the Gastonia Junior Chamber, the Schiele Museum of Natural History, Keep Gastonia Beautiful, he has worked not only at the US National Whitewater Center, but also at a local café, where both jobs have allowed for an extensive training schedule. In addition, Eric has continued to challenge himself as he continues his education, going to school in the fall semester when training is less intense. He intends to continue until he receives a Bachelor’s degree.
Eric’s humility, genuine spirit and true dedication to the sport have made him an ambassador in the community, and the community is supportive of him. This was most obvious at the Olympic Team Trial races, as a cheering contingent of fans, sporting homemade tee-shirts and waving banners celebrated a new “hometown” underdog. Many supporters, until Eric, never knew how thrilling the sport of slalom kayaking could be. Eric can be classified as an underdog, because he has never had an easy road for training. Every penny Eric has earned has gone to boats, gear, for travel to the various competitions, and the daily expenses incurred to simply survive. Because he has achieved so much with so little, for many young athletes and non-athletes alike, Eric shines as an example that hard work and dedication can pay off. He will continue to work tirelessly until his goals have been reached. No matter how many cheering fans Eric has on his side, the ones that mean most will be the ones who help him to reach his highest goal. Your support by way of sponsorship/donation/support/ will pave the way to Olympic Gold for this amazing American athlete.
Quick Facts
Name: Eric Hurd
Residence: Gastonia, NC
Hometown: Woodstock, GA
Occupation: Elite Athlete
Age: 22
Birthday: 05-19-1986
Height: 5,5″
Weight: 148lbs
Nickname: Butter
Sport: Canoe/Kayak
Discipline: Whitewater Canoe Slalom
Event: K-1 Men
Current Training Facility:
USNWC Charlotte, NC
Years Competing: 12
Career Highlight: SILVER MEDALIST 2008 Pan American Games Charlotte, NC