Kiwi paddlers have represented Aotearoa proudly so far at the halfway point of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Canoe Slalom programme, with Kayak Cross events getting underway tonight (NZT). Five-time Olympian Luuka Jones finished 8th in the women’s Kayak Slalom while Olympic debutant Finn Butcher finished 19th in the men’s Kayak Slalom event overnight.
Butcher put down a solid first run in his heat on Monday morning (NZT) to secure his spot in last night’s semi final with the 7th best time. He had looked to replicate that performance in his semi run last night to qualify for the final, putting down a fast time despite a couple of 2 second penalties due to gate touches. While initially celebrating with his crew, shortly after the race he was given a 50 second penalty for missing gate 15, which took him out of the running for a top 12 finals berth.
Whilst Finn was surprised by the judge’s decision, he was enjoying his time out on the water on the world’s biggest sporting stage.
“It was definitely tight but I thought it was alright. I was happy when I finished but the judges obviously saw something different.” said Finn in a post-race interview.
He continued “It is what it is, I’m happy to be here. This is pretty sick” gesturing the Olympic crowd and atmosphere.
Finn will be back on the water in the kayak cross tonight. “I’m fired up now, to get some revenge”
The men’s Kayak slalom Giovanni de Gennaro (Italy) took home the gold medal in the final, with France’s Titouan Castryck in silver and ECHANIZ Pau Echaniz from Spain winning the bronze.
In the women’s Kayak slalom, Australia’s Jessica Fox won gold, the first of her two gold medals so far in Paris. New Zealand’s Luuka Jones, silver medallist in Rio 8 years ago, made it through to the final and finished 8th place amongst the best in the world.
Luuka will wrap up her fifth and final Olympic games with the Kayak Cross, over the next few days.
Kayak Cross is an exciting new event to the Olympic Games, which sees 4 athletes in plastic boats jump off a ramp and race each other down the course. It is fast, chaotic and exhilarating, something which seems to suit our kiwi athletes as both Luuka and Finn have seen international success in the event in recent months.
Time trials for the kayak cross begin tonight (1.30am Saturday 3rd August NZT), followed by four rounds of the event through to August 6 when a male and female champion is crowned in the final race. See full schedule here
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