Europe’s paddlers dominated the International Canoe Federation Canoe Slalom Ranking Race in Penrith as Klaudia Zwolinska marked her return to Australia with another top placed finish.  

Back competing at the venue where she claimed two world titles last October, the Polish paddler stormed to gold in the women’s kayak final, producing a winning time of 96.01. 

Zuzanna Pankova also enjoyed a successful weekend, capturing two medals. 

The Slovakian clinched silver in the women’s K1 after crossing in 97.88, while Slovenia’s Eva Alina Hocevar earned bronze in 99.38. 

Pankova went one better in the women’s canoe, clocking an impressive time of 102.76 to top the podium. 

Australia’s Noemie Fox secured silver on home waters with a time of 104.21, while Slovenia’s Hocevar rounded out the final in 105.37. 

Japan’s Yuuki Tanaka produced a superb run to take gold in the men’s kayak final, stopping the clock at 86.67, just 0.60 seconds ahead of Australia’s Lucien Delfour, who delighted the home crowd with silver. The bronze went to Slovenia’s Ziga Lin Hocevar in 87.38.  

In the men’s C1, Czechia celebrated a double podium finish. Vaclav Chaloupka powered to victory in 91.68, finishing ahead of Slovenia’s Ziga Lin Hocevar, who posted 93.01. Adam Krul ensured further Czech success by taking bronze in 93.74.  

Czechia extended its success as Katerina Bekova and Tereza Kneblova stormed to a stunning one-two finish in the women’s kayak cross final, whilst Great Britian’s Kimberley Woods ranked third.  

In the men’s kayak cross Australia’s Merle Long emerged victorious, while compatriot Delfour claimed his second silver medal of the competition to round out an eventful ranking race in Penrith.