Reigning Olympic champions Nicolas Gestin of France and Jessica Fox of Australia overcame a tough course to secure canoe crowns at the International Canoe Federation Canoe Federation Canoe Slalom World Cup in Prague.
It was a day of high drama in the Czech capital as Gestin returned to form to win men’s C1 gold before Fox followed up her women’s K1 title with top honours in C1.
There were two medals for Great Britain, with Kimberley Woods and Adam Burgess getting on the podium, while there was also joy for home favourite Martina Satkova and Slovakia’s Marko Mirgorodsky.
Here’s what the medallists had to say after a superb Saturday.
Women’s Canoe
Jessica Fox (AUS – gold)
I didn’t know what to expect this season, coming back into racing after such a big time off. To be back out there, enjoying racing, back with this community and back on the podium is such a joy. I feel so grateful for everyone who has helped me get back out there and has helped me along the way.
Martina Satkova (CZE – silver)
It means a lot because when I saw how many people came to Prague today I was so proud and they were cheering like crazy it made my day and I have been smiling so much due to them. To have a medal at home and with so many people cheering for me is the best thing that can happen. Being the last to go is always tricky. I saw that Jessica went quite well but you just have to stick to your plan, don’t worry about your timing and I just made it. This was much more pressure for me so I am so happy that I got this medal.
Kimberley Woods (GBR – bronze)
It’s been a really tough week. Just for me to be on the start line is quite a lot. Yesterday, things didn’t go well for me. In my head, it was the worst that could happen, did happen. My nan (who is sick) is here with me all the way. To win that medal for her is just really emotional. I put it all out there. I did some weird switches that weren’t in my plan but I just put my head down and got going. I am a fighter, she’s a fighter and I feel really proud to have got a medal for her today.
Men’s Canoe
Nicolas Gestin (FRA - gold)
It’s really good so good day in Prague and I am happy to do back to back having already won last year. Around gates 11 and 12 was really tricky so I didn’t enjoy my run but tried to fight hard and fortunately found a little bit of space and it was about that today. Thanks for the support. I have my friends and family from the French team so I am really happy to take the gold for the slalom team.
Marko Mirgorodsky (SVK – silver)
Today was really tricky and tough, so physical. I am so happy that I made it on the podium. It’s in Prague, it’s a special place for me. I really like the water here and the crowd. It’s been a couple of years since my last medal so it’s a pretty good feeling to be back on the podium with these guys like Nicolas and Adam.
Adam Burgess (GBR – bronze)
I didn’t feel like my finest work but when it’s that hard I just held a run together. It was a long wait there and I performed better in the final than nine other guys. I didn’t think I would be on the podium. When we got halfway through the remaining people I was like maybe but with Ziga Lin last to go I was thinking I am going to be fourth here so I am really happy to be on the podium. It’s an awesome atmosphere here and fun to be back out there and soak it up again.
Related links
