The first set of canoeing medals at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games has been awarded to the best in women’s kayak final. Australia’s Jessica Fox took the glory of the event, and two European paddlers joined her on the winner’s podium. Klaudia Zwolinska (POL) was second and Kimberley Woods (GBR) finished in a bronze medal position.
The first gold medal of canoeing competition at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games went to the hands of the first favourite Jessica Fox from Australia who won her fifth Olympic medal, second gold following her victory in canoe in Tokyo.
The silver medal shone in the hands of Polish competitor Klaudia Zwolinska for whom this is the first Olympic medal. It is also the first Olympic medal for Poland after 24-year-long wait. “I am proud of the fact that I won the first medal for my country and it came from Canoe Slalom. It was good for me and it was very good that it happened in Paris. My family and friends were able to cheer me,” said Zwolinska.
Kimberely Woods from Great Britain won bronze medal and said, “I feel absolutely proud to represent Team GB and win this medal. The crowd make it loud enough so you don’t hear what is going on. I tried to focus on myself. I knew that I had gone faster than my semi-final time. I was a bit frustrated with the mistake at the bottom but I went out there, gave it my all and got a result out of it.”
The defending champion Ricarda Funk from Germany was out of the medals after the 50 seconds penalty.
Monday will bring men’s canoe semifinal and final.
Source: https://www.canoeicf.com/news/fox-ends-wait-olympic-kayak-gold-paris-2024
Photo: Romain Bruneau / ICF
28.7.2024
