Slovak Canoeist Zuzana Paňková Finishes Sixth at World Championships, Beňuš Closest to Medal
PENRITH, Australia - Zuzana Paňková achieved her best-ever World Cup result, finishing sixth in the C1 Women’s final at the World Championships in Penrith, Australia, despite a costly error during her run. While a podium finish eluded the Slovak team, Jakub Beňuš came closest to securing a medal.
Paňková demonstrated strong speed in the initial stages of the race, maintaining a leading position through the first intermediate gate and consistently placing first. However, a meaningful mistake forced her to correct her course, ultimately costing her a shot at the medals. She completed the course in 114.09 seconds, finishing one second and 11 hundredths behind the podium contenders.
“I got through the fourth day of the race. After a hard ride in the semifinal, I managed to get to the final, but I made one big mistake and had to go back to the goal,” Paňková stated to Slovak canoeing officials.”I enjoyed the medal. There were bad weather conditions and just a stick crashed in my hand, as I made a trip and I couldn’t avoid it anymore. It hurts a bit, but the sixth place in the World Cup, even though it hurts a bit, so I have to say that I am happy. The ride had everything a good ride was supposed to have, just missing a little luck. So far the best career placement at the World Cup.”
Fellow slovak competitor Emanuela Luknárová did not advance past the semi-finals, finishing 23rd with a time of 127.39 seconds.
Final C1 Men Results:
- Nicolas Gestin (France) – 97.13 seconds
- Ryan Westley (great Britain) – +0.90 seconds
- Kaylen Bassett (Australia) – +1.61 seconds
Final C1 women Results:
- zuzana Paňková (Slovakia) – +5.60 seconds (2 penalties)
(Source: TASR)
