Switzerland’s Alena Marx and Czechia’s Vit Prindis emerged victorious from epic kayak cross finals at the International Canoe Federation Canoe Slalom World Championships in Oklahoma City, United States.
It was a thrilling final day of competition that ended with gold medals for Marx and Prindis as kayak cross races were played out in searing heat.
The Marx family enjoyed a fantastic day with Alena triumphing and her brother Dimitri claiming silver.
Marx overcame reigning Olympic champion Noemi Fox of Australia to win her second world title – one year after clinching the women’s kayak cross individual crown.
It was an absorbing race from start to finish with Marx managing to get the better of Germany’s Ricarda Funk.
Click here for the live start lists and results from Oklahoma City
Marx then saw off the challenge of Spain’s Miren Lazkano before cruising clear for victory.
There was a brilliant battle for silver with Fox taking it after outmuscling Lazkano and Funk at the final upstream. Lazkano earned bronze as Funk picked up an RAL.
“It’s incredible,” said Marx.
“I don’t believe it yet. I am so happy and I am even more happy that my brother came second. It’s crazy.
“It was amazing. My brother deserves the medal so much, as he was injured and had a long way to get back.
“I am really happy and proud of him.”
It could have been a double gold for the Marx siblings only for 37-year-old Prindis to come out on top.
Great Britain’s Sam Leaver got off a blistering start before being outfoxed by Marx at the first upstream gate.
It was an absorbing fight as Marx tried to push clear only to be overtaken by Prindis, who proved too strong in the second half of the race.
Prindis secured gold with Marx clinching silver and Leaver bagging bronze.
“It hasn’t sunk in yet,” said Prindis.
“I was hoping for a medal, but in the end I was fighting for the finish line. It was amazing.
“I had a bad neck injury last year, so I was out of the team and struggling with my neck through the season.
“When I came back, I said I needed to be at the same level I was before and I think from day one I was showing my best performances.
“It was the only title I was missing as I have won in World Cups and European Championships.”
Women’s Kayak Cross
- MARX Alena (SUI)
- FOX Noemie (AUS)
- LAZKANO Miren (ESP)
Men's Kayak Cross
- PRINDIS Vit (CZE)
- MARX Dimitri (SUI)
- LEAVER Sam (GBR)
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