All Czech boats into the simifinals in Prague

Afternoon program in Prague continued with qualifications of women kayak. Among the fifty-three racers there were four Czech paddlers: Veronika Vojtová, Karolína Galušková, Katerina Kudějová and Stepanka Hilgertova. They made it succesfully to the semifinals straight from the first run. The fastest boat belonged to a French athlete Marie-Zelia Lafonte with the time of 98.19, second place went to Jessica Fox of Australia and the third place went to home star Katerina Kudějová.

„It was a really long day because I raced in both categories so I tried to qualify in C1 on the first run. So then I could have a rest and focus on the K1. I am happy with this race, I had a touch in a gate sixteen but all the other moves were ok, so I’m glad to be the second,“ said Fox.

„In the Czech republic and especially in Troja, I love paddling here. There is a lot of people outhere who know me and I know them and I really enjoy how they support me. The competitions here are always a big experience for me,“ said the reigning 2015 world champion Kudejova.

Youngest of the Czech racers Karolina Galušková was not sure about her start still during this morning. Yet eventually she took fifth place.
"I did not know if I would go, because I was at Riverside Cross on Tuesday where I got injured a bit - while I was jumping from the ramp, I moved my rib. Fortunately, our physiotherapist put me together and I am glad that I managed it today, “ she smiled in the finish.

Friday afternoon saw also the three Czech boats in the C2. The winners of the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro Škantár cousins were also on the start and managed to pass the course in the fastest time of 100.39. Clean ride further demonstrated by Ondrej Karlovský and Jakub Jane secured them the second place, from the first place were divided only by 33 hundredths of a second. Third place belongs to a couple of Polish canoeists Michal Wiercioch and Grzegorz Majerczak. In the semifinals, we will not miss the next two Czech crews Jonas Kaspar and Marek Sindler (5th place in qualification) and Tomas Koplík, Jakub Vrzan (12th place).

„I always enjoy competing here, the people push us forward and the atmosphere is really great here. We know what to expect from the water because i tis our home channel. The next race is on Sunday so we have some time to rest. We will come to support the others tomorrow and we will check the course. We will have a good sleep and on Sunday we will make it the best we can,“ said Ondrej Karlovský.

Today, all Czech boats on the domestic channel performed well and progressed to the next fight. Tomorrow's program starts at 9AM with the first semi-final heats of singlecanoeists, kayakers and women canoeists, who then shortly after noon will fight for overall victory.

"The rivalry here at home, of course, must be and I'm looking forward to it," admits the sixth man in kayak qualification Jiri Prskavec. "It would be great if we all got to the finals. But first we have to beat the rest of the world and then we can fight together," he said with exaggeration.

Also the kayak cross finals are in the schedule on Saturday afternoon.

Foto: Jan Luxík