Champion paddler Lisa Carrington eased into the women’s K1 500 final after two good performances today.
Fresh from her gold medal in the women’s K1 200, Carrington looked calm and composed today.
The 27-year-old won in 1min 54.765s, well ahead of Dane Emma Jorgensen, who was nearly a full second behind.
In her semi-final shortly after, Carrington trailed Bulgarian Maryna Litvinchuk throughout, but closed in near the end. It didn’t matter – the first two finishers went through to the final automatically. The Bulgarian won in 1min 55.641s, and Carrington was timed at 1min 56.155s.
Carrington said she was pleased with her morning’s work.
“The aim was to get through to the final,” she said. “The competition is very strong. Some girls aren't making it through who are great paddlers.”
Carrington’s coach, Gordon Walker, was impressed with how she had paddled.
“It definitely looked like she got to the 300m mark and still had plenty in the tank,” he said.
“There's no point looking at times today. The semi is a race no-one can win, but it means everything if you lose.”