Despite a strong start from GB in the women’s canoe sprint (K4) 500m final this morning, a medal was just out of reach, as Hungary took gold putting to an end Germany’s dominance of the event.
Having made the final with a fourth-placed semi-final finish, the British quartet of Rachel Cawthorn, Jessica Walker, Louisa Sawers and Angela Hannah had high hopes for the final, with sights set on bronze.
Despite starting well to great support from the home crowd, the GB four, who were in lane one, struggled to assert any real dominance, failing to challenge for the lead to eventually settle for fifth.
The Hungarian, German and Belarus crews were very much the forces at the front, with Belarus leading for much of the race.
But it was Hungary that crossed the line first, pipping their rivals and Germany, who have won gold at every Games since Atlanta Games in 1996, to gold.
Germany took silver, whilst Belarus bagged bronze, with the top-three placings at Eton Dorney identical to those of last year’s world championships. Britain were fourth on that occasion.
Speaking after the race, Cawthorn said: “Right now, I’m just relieved. I felt so confident after yesterday’s race, I was just looking forward to getting out there today.”
Hannah added: “It is really exciting, I mean you are right at the start line and want to wave, but you can’t wave, you have to keep your hands on the paddles. It’s been awesome. We’ve never experienced this. It’s been such a privilege and I hope everyone has really enjoyed it.”
GB’s Cawthorn now prepares for her 500m single kayak final on Thursday.
Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
