Olympic gold medalist Tom Green has edged closer to Olympic selection, taking out today’s men’s K1 1000 final.
Green motored down the course in a time of 3:31.96, ahead of Canoe Marathon world champion Mads Pedersen (DEN) in second and South Australian Maguire Reid in third.
Green said he’s pleased with how he’s been able to race this weekend, and is looking forward to a little break before the 2024 National Championships in a few weeks time.
“Another good race done, coming out with the win. It’s good to do a good time and put out a solid race,” Green said.
“Tough being the last event of the regatta, so with all the other races it’s a pretty good indicator of where we’re at.
“We came here to win and get the spots for the Olympics. Happy with how the K2 went, as well as the K1,” he said.
Australian canoeist Ben Manning has provisionally secured an Olympic quota for Australia, winning the men’s C1 1000 Final on the third and final day of the 2024 Canoe Sprint Grand Prix 2 and Oceania Championships.
In neutral conditions, Manning crossed the line in a time of 4:06.90, ahead of fellow Aussie Marcelo Cabezas in second and Samoa’s Rudolf Williams in third.
Manning said he was proud to be able to put together the race in the way that he did and take a positive step on his path to Paris.
“It definitely means a lot, it’s what all the hard work was for, building up to this time and securing the quota spot that I unfortunately couldn’t get overseas last year,” Manning said.
“To get it here, and to know now that one step of the job is done and onto the next one…it feels really good.
“It’s super flat out there, no wind at all, which is really nice. Good to get out, and get the first race done now,” he said.
Sunday’s racing brings to a close the 2024 Canoe Sprint Grand Prix 2 and Oceania Championships.
Athletes from across the country will return to Sydney International Regatta Centre in a few weeks time for the 2024 Paddle Australia Canoe Sprint Championships from 7-10 March 2024.
