If Friday was GB’s ‘nearly day’, then Saturday was ‘sunshine all the way’ for GB.
This morning saw the large crowd get their first taste of 200m heats and semi finals. A particular favourite dish of GB canoeing, they had the travelling supporters salivating with sparkling performances which guaranteed 3 final appearances tomorrow.
Ed MCKeever - dominant again
German legend Ronnie Rauhe slowed from his warm up to watch Ed McKeever race emphatically to a semi final win and a personal best, which had the time keepers scurrying off to confirm if it was in fact a new world’s fastest time – now confirmed. McKeever had it really all wrapped up by the 100m mark and if you can make short distance racing look nonchalant, McKeever has that knack. He will take the favoured Lane 5 in the final tomorrow afternoon.
In the womens event, Jess Walker ground out a gutsy semi-final, crossing the final in second place behind Marta Walczykiewicz (POL), confirming that she’ll race in the final tomorrow.
Liam Heath sets the tempo, Schofield follows the pace.GB Mens K2 200m
Liam Heath and Jon Schofield showed perfect symmetry with a convincing win in their semi final. The French pairing of Hybois and Jouve, do look threatening, sleek and classy too – lots more ooh la la to come from that boat in the final I’d say.
A great morning’s racing from the Brit crews, now on the threshold of more greatness. Yes please! Bring it on…..
Sizzling Saturday continued with more A finals in the afternoon programme. Predictions of a hometown whitewash in the womens classes, were torn up and scattered like a rice paper crushed by a road wreck, as Nicole Reinhardt (Ger) tore down the course to a gold medal in K1 500m. She pushed home town sweetheart Danuta Kozak into second. More drama came in the K2 500m. Hungarian legend Katalin Kovacs, hunting gold # 31 didnt even make it to the podium as the Austrian heroines, who won their nations first ever canoeing world medal last year, were the golden girls this time around. It was clearly very emotional for Victoria Schwarz who was overcome by realisation she was writing her nation’s history.
The major events of the day finished with the Mens K4 1000m . Germany ruled. Max Hoff’s personal disappointment in K1 from yesterday, assuaged as they put away the opposition.
The fun filled crowd-pleasing relays close the programme tonight and everyone’s watch is set for the final time on Sunday. Is yours?
All photo credits – AE Photos
