The strongest ever field assembled for an ICF Canoe Sprint Super Cup took to the water in Oklahoma on Friday, with a who’s who of the world’s best athletes showing impressive form.

The unique 350 metre sprint events attracts a mix of sprint and distance athletes. Among the heat winners on Friday morning were previous world champions Katie Vincent of Canada, Josef Dostal and Martin Fuksa of the Czech Republic, and Anna Pulawska of Poland.

2021 C1 200 world champion Vincent, competing at her fourth ICF Super Cup, set the fastest time in a women’s C1 competition that included American Olympic champion Nevin Harrison, and Olympic bronze medalist Liudmyla Luzan of Ukraine.

“I think the 350 suits me pretty well, the balance between C2 500 and C1 200, this is pretty much our bread-and-butter and what we train for,” Vincent said.

“It’s a really beautiful venue here, and always such a perfect way to finish the season.”

Lithuania’s Arturas Seja posted the quickest time in the men’s K1, finishing faster then a world-class field that included Olympic champions and world champions. Czech Josef Dostal was second fastest.

“This year was not so long for me because I didn’t paddle after the Olympics that much, so it was not a bad year,” Dostal said.

“I’m looking forward to having some fun. It will be good to make the finals.”

Polish pair Anna Pulawska in the women’s K1 and Wiktor Glazunow in the men’s C1 were also fastest qualifiers. Pulawska said she is enjoying the opportunity to race K1 after a strong season in the K2 and K4.

“This was a busy year for me, but I’m happy because I know what I need to do to get better in the K1 because it’s really important for me,” Pulawska said.

“I’m hoping next year to compete in the K1 at the world championships and in qualifications for the Olympic Games. I’m hoping to do K1, K2 and K4.”

Czech Martin Fuksa is another who has attended every Super Cup so far, and has enjoyed success. He won gold under lights in Oklahoma City last year

“I’m really happy to be here in Oklahoma again, the Super Cup is a little more calm between the athletes so it’s something I really like,” Fuksa said.

The first ever Super Cup mixed relay event will be held on Saturday morning, and the finals of the 350 metre sprint will be held under lights on Saturday night.