The three-day competition is due to take place from April 12 to 14 and to help draw spectators the event will be free to the public and feature a festival complete with live music and a fireworks display.

The venue hosted the Beijing 2008 US Olympic trials but holding the Canadian Olympic trials at the venue at the same time will be a first for the organisers.

Whitewater rafting athletes will compete in the Olympic disciplines of men's and women's Kayak K1M and K1W and men's single and two-person canoe C1 and C2.

Based on an athlete's placing in races throughout the year, including the US Olympic trials, points are assigned to rank the athletes within their disciplines.

The athlete, or team of athletes for C2, with the highest point total in each qualified discipline will be nominated to represent the US at London 2012 so a maximum of five US athletes will have the chance to compete at the Olympics.

"Having the US Olympic Trials return to our facility is exciting because it continues to build the Olympic spirit and movement in the Charlotte region," said the executive director of the USNWC, Jeff Wise.

"Over the weekend we'll play host to the many elite athletes from both the United States and Canada.

"Alongside those athletes, you'll see friends and families playing outside and enjoying a great event."

At London 2012, the Lee Valley White Water Centre in Hertfordshire will host the whitewater rafting competition.

The venue was opened to both Olympic athletes and the public earlier this year after being officially unveiled by the Princess Royal last December.

"We couldn't be more thrilled to have the 2012 US Olympic Trials for Whitewater Slalom return to Charlotte," added Joe Jacobi, the USA Canoe/Kayak chief executive.

"The USNWC is the world's premier whitewater facility and an ideal setting for selecting our best athletes, while the venue's amenities are perfect for raising the profile of the sport.

"We're excited that Charlotte will play a key role in our efforts to win Olympic medals in London.

"The USNWC has some of the most challenging but consistent white-water in the US for Slalom and will once again make for a perfect venue for selecting our 2012 Olympians."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]