Olympic Quotas on the Line for Australian Canoeists

WAIS slalom canoe athletes Robin Jeffery and Kynan Maley will begin their World Championship campaign today on the same course the pair competed together at the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Jeffery and Maley contested the men’s C2 in London in 2012, with the latter stepping away from the sport post Olympics, before returning this year, with both men now focusing on the individual C1 event.

This year’s World Championships take on greater significance with the event providing qualification opportunities for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

Western Australian Robin Jeffery has stepped up this season and is feeling confident of a strong performance.

“My preparation has been the best in my career,” Jeffery said.

“I have had a couple of hard weeks of training but am resting up getting ready for the race.”

“I feel comfortable on the course here in London and can’t wait to start racing.”

Jeffery and Maley are joined in the C1 ranks for Australia by Penrith canoeist Ethan Hodson.

For Maley, it will be his first World Championships since 2011.The 33 year old took a break from racing following his sixth place finish at Lee Valley in 2012, but returns to the team this year following a string of strong performances in Australia earlier in the year.

Although the trio are outsiders to feature on the podium, they will be aiming to finish in the top 10 nations to secure an Olympic quota.

Maley will be the first Australian to contest his first run at 5:38pm Perth time.

The top 20 from the first runs will advance to the semi-finals. The remainder will get a second run where a further 10 will advance.

Australian C1M schedule (Perth time):
5:38pm – Kynan Maley
6:15pm – Robin Jeffery

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-CanoeingAus