USA wins GOLD in Mens C-1! Fabien Levevre stole the show at Deep Creek today, landing the fastest time in the morning’s semis, and then starting last in the finals knowing it was his to win. Win he did, but not at first. He was pleased with his run, waving to the crowds that had cheered him down the course louder than any other boater, but it showed a two second penalty positioning him in second place on the Pixel Board. It was a good ten minutes before the loudspeaker announced that his two second penalty had been overturned by chief judge, Jean-Michel Pronost giving Levevre a clean run, and a gold medal. The crowd went ballistic with this announcement, which became the first gold of the worlds, and a first for the USA since Davey Hearn’s in 1995 for C-1 Men.
This is the boost these worlds were hoping for. The ASCI whitewater venue is an expensive facility to operate, and leaving a legacy is important to keep momentum going well after this big event. In the summer months, tourism becomes the economic impact for Garrett County. Rafting, kayaking and utilizing the whitewater venue as the training ground for Garrett College’s Adventure Sport Program is key to its continued success. As will be the NBC Sports feature to come out in October. Levevre’s gold for the USA will enhance this story.
Saturday, the semis and finals for C-1 Women came to play. A tough course, these ladies have a lot of courage to hold their own in the turbulent waters. It takes commitment, speed, finesse and a lot of practise to race non-stop down 24 gates. Ten paddlers, representing six countries moved on to the finals. British veteran Mallory Franklin posted the early lead with a time of 138.78. Sitting in the victory box watching the scoreboard from the finish line, six more competitors had to race before she realized silver was hers. Only Jessica Fox, AUS, was able to beat her time. The daughter of double world champion parents—both having won gold at the 1989 wolds here in Maryland—raised in Australia where Richard Fox, and Miriam Jerusalmi chose to follow their dream of coaching together, Jess grew up in the slalom world. Falling in love with paddling, living so close to the Penrith 1992 Olympic course, it was only natural for Jess to pick it up through ‘osmosis’. Jess’s run was powerful, in control with only one touch and it really looked like she was having fun. With a six second margin, gold was well deserved. Bronze went to Orianne Rebours.
The tension was high for the K-1 Mens Final. Fresh off his Gold medal run, Fabien Levevre had to change gears, now paddle with two blades starting first in Men’s Kayak. Racing the first few gates his athletic Fabien-style was looking for a repeat performance. Yet a touch and later a 50 second penalty had this idea vanish quickly. Not sure if it was nerves or the odd turbulence that has been giving many top racers trouble, but it seemed like only the French could make the course look easy in the finals. A full French sweep of the medals had the rest of the world looking on in awe.
Team Runs, where 3 boats race the course weaving in and out of the gates, completed the days racing with SVK, CZE, SLO taking the medals for C-1. CZE, GBR, FRA for C-1 Women. And FRA, CZE, GRB in K-1 Men with Team Canada in 8th, and USA 10th.
Claudia Kerckhoff-van Wijk is a ten time Canadian Slalom champion, 5th 1979 Worlds in Jonquiere, Bronze medallist in Slalom, and owner of Madawaska Kanu Centre and OWL Rafting.
