Luuka Jones had a memorable first day in the women’s K1 slalom today.
The 27-year-old Tauranga paddler was outstanding in her first run, being timed at 100.59, with no penalties. That left her in second place, a fraction behind Great Britain’s Fiona Pennie.
On her second run Jones was even quicker, with 99.96, but she incurred two penalties.
The paddler’s best effort is the one that counts so Jones’ first run was the best.
After the qualifying round she is in fourth place. The leader is Italian Stefanie Horn, who had 99.07.
The top 15 go through to the semi-finals later in the week, so Jones qualified easily.
Jones has attended two previous Olympics. At Beijing in 2008, she was 21st and at London in 2012 she made the semi-finals and finished 14th.