Background: Body composition plays a significant role in canoeing performance, particularly muscle mass, which is crucial for strength development. Despite its importance, few studies have detailed the body composition of world-class canoeists, including world champions and Olympic medalists. Objective: To describe the anthropometric characteristics, body composition, and somatotype of two world champion and Olympic medalist canoeists. Methods: In this descriptive case study, anthropometric assessment were conducted during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. In accordance with ISAK protocols. Body composition was assessed using a four-component model (fat mass, muscle mass, bone mass, and residual mass) and several anthropometric equations. Skinfold thickness was measured at 10 sites: chest, mid-axilla, iliac crest, supraspinale, abdominal, subscapular, triceps, biceps, front thigh, and medial calf. Somatotype analysis was performed for each athlete, and muscle area (thigh, arm, leg) was calculated from girth measurements. Results: Both canoeists exhibited low body fat and high muscularity (36.4 kg and 33.4 kg muscle mass, 8.7 and 8.8 % body fat), values within the range described for elite paddlers (5.9-16.3%). The first athlete shows an ectomorphic mesomorph somatotype (1.1-6.5-3.0), while the second athlete shows a balanced mesomorph (1.5-7.9-1.6), reflecting marked muscular development with slight ectomorphic influence. Conclusions: World-class canoeists are characterized by a high degree of muscle mass and low relative fat mass, both of which are crucial for optimal performance in Olympic-level canoeing. These findings provide valuable reference points for identifying and developing athletes capable of excelling at the highest levels of competitive canoeing.
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