Drama unfolded from the first run to the final gate in Prague, Czechia, where the demanding Troja course once again tested every paddler’s skill and nerve.
It needed clutch performances from two reigning Olympic champions to secure titles at the second International Canoe Federation Canoe Slalom World Cup of the season.
Local knowledge also came in handy as the Czech fans celebrated two gold medals from a hometown hero.
Let’s look back and pick out five things we learned from this World Cup over the past three days.
Click here for all the results from Prague
1. Krejci enjoys dream weekend
After Ziga Lin Hocevar’s sensational double on home waters in Tacen last week, it was Jakub Krejci’s turn to become the hometown hero. Krejci pulled off two stunning performances to clinch gold medals in the men’s kayak and men’s kayak cross. Heading into the event in Prague, Krejci had never won a World Cup title. He had come close but had never got over the line. His wait finally ended on Friday when he clinched the men’s K1 crown. If that wasn’t memorable enough for the Czech star, he produced another moment of magic on Sunday. Oozing with confidence, Krejci pulled clear to win men’s kayak cross gold ahead of compatriot Vit Prindis for a Czech one-two.
2. Double delight for fantastic Fox
Krejci was not the only paddler to complete a golden double in Prague as Australia’s Jessica Fox bagged two titles in as many days. Just one week after marking her return with women’s K1 silver in Tacen, Fox went one better on Friday. Facing a challenging course, Fox showcased all her craft and power to navigate the gates and crossed the line in a winning time of 108.84. One day later, Fox was standing on top of the podium again. This time, Fox triumphed in the women’s canoe. Her run was far from perfect as she clattered gates 17 and 18 after getting caught in an awkward spot but she dug out a time of 121.01 including four penalty seconds to take the win. After this fantastic double, there is no doubt that Fox is back at the top of her game.
3. Prigent finding aggressive edge
France’s Camille Prigent might be one of the smallest paddlers in the field, but she is one of the most powerful with a paddle in her hands. Prigent has tasted success in the women’s kayak cross individual but had never in the head-to-head format until Sunday. The Frenchwoman demonstrated a mix of composure and power to go through the rounds before storming to victory in the final. Prigent said she had become “more aggressive” in kayak cross and that showed as she stamped her authority on the competition. There was no stopping Prigent as she forged ahead of Poland’s Klaudia Zwolinska to take gold.
4. Gestin shows “who” is boss
Last week, Hocevar cheekily responded with “who” when asked what he thought of France’s reigning Olympic and world champion Nicolas Gestin’s chances of bettering his time in the men’s C1 final. In the end, Hocevar emerged victorious as a two-second penalty cost Gestin a medal. Ranking first in the heats, the 18-year-old was desperate to repeat that display in Prague but came unstuck at gate 17, like other paddlers that had gone before him. This time, Hocevar finished outside the medal places and Gestin took the title. Gestin also made mistakes as he touched two out of the final four gates but his time of 107.84 was still enough to take the win as he secured back-to-back World Cup victories in Prague.
5. Woods honours grandmother’s memory with courageous medal
On Sunday, Woods revealed the heartbreaking news that her grandmother - whom she described as her biggest supporter - had passed away. Knowing her grandmother's time was limited, the British paddler arrived in Prague carrying a heavy emotional burden but remained determined to compete in her honour. The strain was evident on Friday as Woods fought back tears after a disappointing performance in the women’s K1 heats. Yet, in a display of remarkable resilience, the two-time Olympic medallist responded in the best possible way. Returning the following day with renewed focus and determination, she produced a superb run to claim bronze in the women’s C1 - a performance her grandmother would undoubtedly have been proud of. Speaking after receiving her medal, an emotional Woods said: “I’m a fighter, she’s a fighter and I feel really proud to have got a medal for her.”
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