It was a great opening day of competition at the 2022 Canoe Slalom Australian Open, with the heats contested in both the kayak and canoe.
Despite constant rain at Penrith Whitewater Stadium, races aplenty entertained onlookers, and set up athletes for a great weekend of racing.
Having relocated to Sydney on January 1, Western Australia’s George Pankhurst said he was relishing the opportunity of getting to race again.
“It’s a really good feeling, we’ve had local races but to be back competing for a reason, for selection, with the added pressure just feels really good,” Pankhurst said.
“My K1 run felt pretty solid, it was good to get a feel of the course,” he said.
Currently training in Penrith, Pankhurst said a highlight for him has been training alongside Olympic gold medalist Jess Fox and dual Olympian Lucien Delfour every day.
“We get to train with them every morning, and I don’t know many other sports like that,” Pankhurst said.
“It’s a really good community, everyone is so supportive and I’m always learning from them on the water,” he said.
Competing in both the canoe and kayak heats today, Penrith’s Sophie Wilson was proud of the runs she put together.
“It’s a lot of fun out there and it’s great to be back out on the water in both the C1 and K1,” Wilson said.
“It’s so nice to be able to paddle in an environment that’s an Olympic stadium, with Olympians and some of the best paddlers in the world.
“Jess is such a role model, and always so encouraging and I learn so much from watching her, training with her – it’s amazing,” she said.
Racing will return to Penrith Whitewater Stadium tomorrow, with the women’s kayak semi finals first up at 9.15am AEDT.
Tomorrow will also be the first day of competition for the 2022 PA Canoe Freestyle Championships, with the heats from 5.15pm.
For the full schedule, and results – click here
Tomorrow’s semis and finals will be live streamed via the Paddle Australia Facebook page and YouTube channel.
