The Swiss supporters, still glowing after a C2 bronze medal, could not contain themselves when 15 year old Melanie Mathys from Solothurner Kajakfahrer near Berne overtook Lisa Frait from Germany and posted the fastest time of 21:54.92 with only five boats left to finish. It was a nervous wait for the locals with pre race favourite Viola Risso the last to start.
The youngster held on to her lead to win by 9 seconds with Annika Gierenz from Germany taking bronze in 22:12.52.
A volunteer in the race office reflected the mood: “this is incredible, we did not even expect to win one medal and now we have two!”
For more information, please visit the organiser’s website: http://www.jwwc2009.com/
Please check back on the ICF’s website www.canoeicf.com for further updates.