Germany’s Chinette Karina Lauridsen dashed Italy’s hopes of a home gold after beating reigning champion Viktoryia Pistis Shablova at the 2025 International Canoe Federation Paracanoe World Championships in Milan, Italy.
Pistis Shablova was aiming to deliver women’s VL1 gold in front of the home fans as she lined up for the final race of day three of competition at the Idroscalo Regatta Course.
But Pistis Shablova, who claimed the world title in 2024, was unable to stop Lauridsen, who overhauled the Italian before pulling clear.
Click here for startlists and live results in Milan
Lauridsen clinched gold in 1:06.99 as Pistis Shablova claimed silver in 1:12.63.
The bronze medal went to Japan’s Monika Seryu after finishing in 1:19.15.
“I still don't understand it,” said Lauridsen.
“I think I need to have some time to process it.
“I know I can do more.
“I fight a lot with muscle spasm.
"That means I have to watch out, as it was difficult to sit in the boat and change direction.”
There was also no stopping Individual Neutral Athlete Ilya Taupianets as he clinched the men’s VL1 title in 58.86.
While Taupianets forged ahead, there was a photo finish for the silver medal.
Australia’s Benjamin Sainsbury clinched second spot in 1:01.79, edging AIN paddler Artur Chuprov by 0.07.
A hailstorm forced the majority of the Paracanoe races to be postponed yesterday.
Heats resumed today with Great Britain’s Charlotte Henshaw continuing her fine form in the women’s VL3.
It looks set to be an all-British showdown for the title after Hope Gordon also topped her heat.
Great Britain will also hope for success in the men’s KL2 as David Phillipson looked strong, but Ukraine’s Mykola Syniuk posted the quickest time in the heats with 43.69.
Algeria’s Brahim Guendouz, the Paralympic champion in the men’s KL3, was in action.
He advanced to the semi-finals, placing second behind Australia’s Dylan Littlehales in his heat, while Georgia’s double Paralympic gold medallist Serhii Yemelianov also impressed as he set his sights on gold.
Full coverage of the ICF Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe World Championships can be viewed on the Planet Canoe YouTube channel.
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