There is a different air around Peter Kiss as he takes to the water as the defending Paralympic champion in Paris.
Three years ago, Kiss was a fresh-faced teenager in Tokyo looking to add the Paralympic crown to his first world title, which he achieved in 2019.
Now, the 21-year-old Hungarian arrives at the Games with a target on his back as the title holder in the men’s KL1 and a four-time world champion and with the pressure of delivering gold again for his country.
But Kiss insists he is taking it all in his stride, aiming to continue his domination in the event.
“I feel more confident than in Tokyo because I won once,” said Kiss who started his defence on Friday by powering to top spot in the heats to seal a place in the final.
“I hope this will work to my advantage in Paris as well.”
Kiss reflects fondly on his time at Tokyo 2020 where he made history by becoming the youngest ever Paralympic champion in Paracanoe at the age of just 18 years old.
He is now adapting to life as a role model for youngsters wanting to follow in his footsteps.
“Tokyo was an amazing experience against COVID-19,” said Kiss.
“I was able to compete and after winning the race it was a priceless experience.
“Things have changed since then of course.
“My friends and other people look up to me and I can see that I can inspire them, that feels awesome to me.
“Between competitions, I finished high school and am currently studying at the University of Physical Education.
“So, I'm also thinking about what I could do after my sports career.”
Kiss has been hampered by injury this year due to a chest issue, forcing him to miss the International Canoe Federation Paracanoe World Championships in Szeged, where Brazil’s Luis Carlos Cardoso da Silva triumphed, but the Hungarian is confident of emerging victorious in Paris.
“It was not so easy preparations at all because I had a little injury for a long time and I couldn’t train so well,” said Kiss.
“That’s hard for me mentally as I want to give all of myself but I can’t.
“But now I can tell that I’m again the best version of myself and can’t wait to compete in Paris.
“My ambitions in Paris are truly high, I want to defend my title.
“I know this is so much harder than Tokyo.
“The opponents are also really great and worked hard to qualify for Paris, but I trust myself.”
Paracanoe schedule and results
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