Czechia captured five medals including two golds on the opening day of the International Canoe Federation Junior and U23 Canoe Slalom World Championships in Krakow, Poland.
It was a memorable opening day for the Czech team in the kayak cross individual with Tereza Kneblova and Lucie Vaculova bagging titles and Valentyna Kocirova, Matyas Novak and Tobias Novak getting on the podium.
There was also a home victory for Poland’s Marek Kulczycki, while Germany’s Enrico Dietz was the other gold medallist.
Click here for live startlists and results from Krakow
Arriving in Krakow in a rich vein of form, Kneblova asserted her authority on the U23 women’s competition with success on the first day.
Kneblova triumphed in a winning time of 59.27, overcoming Spain’s Leire Goni who claimed silver in 59.63 and Poland’s Dominika Brzeska who clocked 59.64 for bronze.
“I’m thrilled,” said Kneblova.
“The run was not as perfect as I would have liked but it was enough so I am glad and I am looking forward to the head to head race.
“I am feeling good so I am really happy about this. It’s mainly about the runs, not the results so I am glad it went my way today.”
Czechia’s second gold of the day came courtesy of Vaculova in the women’s junior kayak cross individual.
Vaculova edged Carden Oetting of the United States by a mere 0.02, while fellow Czech Kocirova was 0.20 further back in third.
“I feel really happy, I don’t know what to say,” said Vaculova.
“It’s really awesome to share the podium with Valentyna.”
Hosts Poland tasted victory when Kulczycki came out on top in the men’s junior kayak cross individual.
Kulczycki sealed the title in 55.98 as Ukraine’s top seed Arkhyp Krachko earned silver in 56.45 and Czechia’s Tobias Novak secured bronze in 56.75.
“This means a lot, finally I did it and I am really happy,” said Kulczycki.
“Now I love this course so much.”
Germany’s Dietz, ranked 29, pulled off a stunning performance to beat Czech top seed Matyas Novak by 0.03.
The German clinched top spot in 53.56 as Novak came second in 53.59 and Spain’s Manel Contreras bagged bronze in 54.38.
“It’s such a good feeling after the hard winter training,” said Dietz.
“It’s a real relief, it’s unbelievable to win at this World Championships.”
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