Emilie Fer becomes first Frenchwoman to win Canoe Slalom Olympic gold
The Women’s K1 final was equally exhilarating and unpredictable. The double World Champion Corinna KUHNLE (AUT) failed to make the podium after acquiring an early two second penalty on gate 5. Slovakia’s Jana DUKATOVA ranked No.1 is also known for her fluidity and speed on the water but a conservative run left her free of penalties but with a time well off the pace of the medalists.
Emilie Fer becomes first Frenchwoman to win Canoe Slalom Olympic gold
Emily FER (FRA) does not have as impressive a CV as the paddlers she outperformed to win the accolade of Women’s K1 Olympic champion. Today the Frenchwoman, whose best result this year has been a silver medal at the La Seu d’Urgell World Cup in June and best ever result a silver medal at the 2009 World Championships, completely outdid the rest of the field, putting together a clean and fast run that resulted in her becoming the first Frenchwoman to win an Olympic gold medal for her country in Canoe Slalom. FER said of her win:
"I have some difficulty realizing what has happened. I took some risks because I had nothing to lose and I knew I needed to go fast.
"I'm delighted for France and for myself."
Jessica FOX (AUS) is officially Slalom’s sweetheart. At 18yrs old she is arguably one of the most successful Canoe Slalom paddlers of her generation, showing a consistency beyond her years. A two time junior World Champion, Youth Olympic Games Champion, medallist at many World Cup events, there is little that the youngster hasn’t achieved.
"My mum (Myriam Fox (FRA), won bronze in Atlanta and now here I am 20 years later, winning silver, it's an amazing thing to share.
"I'm only 18 and I've had such a great season so far and to cap it off with a silver medal at the Olympics is just a dream come true.
"My goal was to make the final so at the start I was like, just give it everything. I put down quite a good run but there were a couple of mistakes, but all in all it was a fast time. Then there was just the wait at the finish, I was so nervous.
"No matter what the result to perform like that at an Olympic final is something I was proud of."
Chourraut (ESP) wins historic medal for Spain
Winning the bronze medal was Maialen CHOURRAUT (ESP) who has had by far the best season of her career, winning two of three World Cups this season. Winning the bronze medal makes her the first Spaniard to medal at a Canoe Slalom event at the Olympic Games. Having placed 16th at Beijing 2008 CHOURRAUT said:
“This is the medal that I needed. This is for Spain.
"You have to work very, very hard, right from the start. We (the women's competition) are very strong now.
The Canoeing competition will continue next week at Eton Dorney where the Canoe Sprint paddlers take to the course with the hopes of winning Olympic glory.
