There was British success on the last day of competition at the Canoe Sprint Invitational International Regatta at Eton Dorney this weekend as British kayaker Ed McKeever took gold in the 200m Men’s Kayak Single (K1).
The event, part of the London Prepares Series and a test event for London 2012 was deemed a success by organisers and praised by the athletes. It is the first international sprint regatta to be held in Great Britain for more than 30 years involving 198 elite athletes from 32 nations.
Spanish paddler, Ekaitz Saies said of Eton Dorney: "I love it here. I came in 2008 to train...and it is a very good place. I have never been to the Olympic Games and if I can be here next year I think it will be the summit of my career. I love the course, I love London, I have been here many times. I can’t think of a better place than London to win an Olympic medal."
The event has been used by London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) to test the course, timing, technology and workforce.
David Luckes, Head of Sport Competition said of the event: "Although Eton Dorney is a proven world-class venue, it was still crucial for us to test our operations ahead of the Games. The event has gone remarkably well and we have seen some fantastic sport, witnessing world class athletes competing in an Olympic venue. We are pleased with how the event has run and are delighted with the athlete feedback."
The 200m Canoe Sprint events will be part of the Games for the first time in 2012, but McKeever’s success could not be emulated by team mates Liam Heath and Jonny Schofield in the 200m Men’s Kayak Double (K2), after they finished in bronze medal position behind French athletes Arnaud Hybois and Sebastien Jouve in second and it was the German’s Ronal Rauhe and Jonas Ems who took the gold medal spot.
The Canoe Sprint Invitational International Regatta was the 18th and last Olympic test event in the first cluster of events taking place this summer.
This is the second world class Olympic test event to take place at Eton Dorney following the FISA World Rowing Junior Championships in August. During London 2012 Eton Dorney will be the venue for Rowing, Paralympic Rowing and Canoe Sprint events.
For more information, contact: betony.garner@london2012.com.
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