Jakub Krejčí celebrates his first medal in a World Event. The opening day of the World Cup in Prague has new winners

The three-day program of the World Cup in Prague was opened by the women's and men's kayak categories. The top ten athletes in each category advanced directly from the qualifications to the finals. In the women's category, Emma Vuitton from France dominated, while the men's category was won by the Italian athlete Giovanni de Genarro.

Jakub Krejčí managed to secure his first World Cup medal in front of the home crowd. The twenty-one-year-old athlete won a bronze medal for the Czech Republic!

Jakub Krejčí managed to secure his first World Cup medal in front of the home crowd. He turned his historic third appearance in the World Cup finals into a bronze medal. "This medal is not just mine. It belongs to everyone who came today, to my family and coach, who stand by me and support me on my journey," says Krejčí. "The spectators in Troja are really close, and even if you don't want to, you can hear them. The fans always push me forward, and I thank them immensely."

"I was very nervous at the finish. In the final, I made a mistake that could have cost me the victory. In the end, it worked out in my favor, and looking back, I am incredibly grateful that I didn't give up," adds Krejčí, who lost only seven hundredths to the silver medalist from Poland, Mateusz Polaczyk. The second World Cup event was won by the Italian Giovanni de Gennaro. "I really enjoyed the final, I always enjoy racing in Prague. It's one of my favorite tracks, and I always podium here, but winning this year is something really special," says World Cup winner Giovanni de Gennaro.

In the women's category, the Frenchwoman Emma Vuitton scored. "Yeah, it was really great. I liked it on this track. It was really cool. The conditions were specific, but I don't really care how big the rapids are. For me, when I'm at the start, I have to paddle and fight to the finish," says the race winner.

Two penalty touches moved Jessica Fox from Australia to second place. The same mistake was made by the German Riccarda Funk, who finished third.

The Czech women in kayaks ensured a full representation in the finals. Antonie Galušková made a penalty touch, which moved her from the leading position to sixth place. "The final was rougher than I expected. Already at the first gate, I felt that I wasn't in the ideal line. If I hadn't touched, I would have had a medal," says Galušková. "Even so, I'm glad that I stay close to the world elite. I take it as a positive start to the Olympics," admits the fastest Czech woman.

The program of the second event of the World Cup in water slalom continues with Saturday's qualification and final runs in the C1 category. The afternoon program will feature the race of the new Olympic discipline, Kayak Cross - time trial. We invite all fans to come and cheer for the Czech team and experience the unforgettable sports atmosphere.

A big thank you to the partners, especially the National Sports Agency and the City of Prague. The general partner of the race is the ČEZ Group, and the main partner is UNIQA insurance.

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