Czechia’s Jakub Krejci turned his sensational form into a maiden senior world crown, while Australia’s Jessica Fox continued her winning streak with an emotional gold in Oklahoma City.
Krejci and Fox captured the kayak titles at the International Canoe Federation Canoe Slalom World Championships.
Click here for the live start lists and results from Oklahoma City
For Fox, it completed a hat-trick of gold medals following her success in the kayak cross individual and women’s kayak teams earlier this week.
For Krejci, it was a milestone moment in his career as he secured his first world title of his career.
The day also belonged to Evy Leibfarth who became the first paddler to win a medal for the host nation at the World Championships.
Many of the world’s top paddlers came unstuck on a tricky course with defending champion Titouan Castryck of France failing to advance to the final.
It provided an opening for Krejci, and the in-form Czech, who finished second behind Castryck at last year’s World Championships in Sydney, seized his opportunity.
Krejci, who has been in superb form this season, produced a superb run as he clocked 83.65 for gold.
Poland’s 35-year-old Michal Pasiut secured silver in 84.34 as Italy’s reigning Olympic champion Giovanni De Gennaro earned bronze in 85.27.
“I feel amazing,” said Krejci.
“I still can’t believe that happened and I really appreciate this.
“It’s so nice to make back-to-back podiums after last year when I was second behind Titouan.
“It’s amazing to have this gold around my neck.”
Fox is back competing at the World Championships after being ruled out of last year’s edition due to kidney surgery.
The three-time Olympic champion has marked her returned in sensational fashion and continued her stunning form on Thursday with a third gold in four days.
There was nothing stopping Fox as she powered to the women’s K1 title in 92.06.
“I think you can see from my emotions how much this one means,” said Fox.
“It’s amazing to win today and be on the podium with Evy and Kim.
“I am grateful for the journey and everyone who has helped me to get back to the top step.
“I didn’t know I would get back here so to be able to do that feels amazing.
“Dreams come true.”
The biggest roar of the day came when Leibfarth crossed the finish line in 93.37 for silver, while Great Britain’s Kimberely Woods earned bronze.
“It feels surreal,” said Leibfarth.
“It’s such a big dream of mine to get a medal at the World Championships, especially at home with my teammates, my family and friends here.
“I am in disbelief.“
Women’s Kayak
- FOX Jessica (AUS) 92.06 (0)
- LEIBFARTH Evy (USA) +1.31 (0)
- WOODS Kimberley (GBR) +2.85 (two second penalty)
Men’s Kayak
- KREJCI Jakub (CZE) 83.65 (0)
- PASIUT Michal (POL) +0.69 (0)
- DE GENNARO Giovanni (ITA) +1.62 (0)
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