WA Paddlers Make Olympic Debut

Sprint Canoe: Men’s K2 200m | Men’s C1 200m

Athlete: Daniel Bowker | Ferenc Szekszardi

Venue: Lagoa Stadium

Western Australian athletes Daniel Bowker and Ferenc Szekszardi have missed out on finals in the men’s K2 200m and men’s C1 200m respectively on Day 12 of the Rio Olympics Olympic Games.

Both men were making their Olympic debuts, with Bowker partnering Jordan Woods in the two man kayak event, whilst Szekszardi paddled in the single canoe event.

Bowker and Woods had originally gained selection for Rio as members of the Australian 1000m paddling group. But with seven athletes selected for three boats, and only five members getting berths, Bowker and Woods were presented with a paddle in the fastest form of flat water kayaking.

The duo progressed to the semi finals at Lagoa Stadium, but missed qualification for the final, after finishing sixth in their semi in a time of 34.845sec.

Bowker and Woods will now prepare for the B Final.

Hungarian born Szekszardi contested the C1 200m but was last in his heat, missing progression for the semi finals. He will race with teammate Martin Marinov in the men’s C2 1000m event, later in the program.

Racing in heat four of the C1 200m, Szekszardi clocked 44.292 for sixth place.

Stephen Bird will commence his campaign in Rio on Friday. Bird will race in the individual men’s K1 200m event.