The historic debut of kayak cross at the Olympic Games saw Great Britain’s Joseph Clarke and France’s Camille Prigent do well in the time trials.

Here are some quotes after athletes feeling the pulse of kayak cross at Paris 2024. 

Noemie Fox (Australia)

“At the start of the week I told myself not to get too emotional, but that went straight out the window. There were tears and everything, even when Jess wasn't racing. But I was very ready and just itching to get going, incredible to get the first run out of the way.”

Kimberley Woods (Great Britain) 

“I felt like I was flying at the top. I wanted to try and take the ups (upstreams) on, in that sweep technique. I got slightly off line and that last upstream is really hard. I still choose to go for it because it is a funny situation where everyone goes through (the next round) so it was an opportunity to take it on.”

Jessica Fox (Australia) 

“We've practised together. We have raced together before, and we are really good at reading each other, and the top two make it through each round and as much as we can, we are going to be working together to make sure we are the top two. But if it comes down to it, absolutely go for me and vice versa.”

Luuka Jones (New Zealand) 

“This event is very special to me. We grew up in New Zealand in plastic boats in the rivers, and it’s a nod to that. We have carbon outfittings and higher spec now, but it really reminds me of my roots. I love this event, I feel like it suits me. I am going to be going out and giving it hell.”

Finn Butcher (New Zealand)

“Pretty good, a few slip-ups in a few places technically, but I'm pretty happy with sixth. I'm here to scrape with the best. I want to be on the podium, that's the only reason I am here. It's a lot of adaptation in the run. For me, the best form of defence is to get out in front and be by yourself, so that's the main goal.” 

Giovanni De Gennaro (Italy)

“The best part is probably the ramp. We usually need to get our speed with our arms and our strength, but with the ramp you can use gravity to get the boost. You feel like you're sprinting immediately when you land.”

Adam Burgess (Great Britain)

“I'm not sure I fully understand it myself, to be honest. I have paddled kayak a handful of times in the past, like, 15 years (ago). So, yeah... I never expected to be doing kayak cross at the Olympic Games. It's my first race.”

Joseph Clarke (Great Britain)

“That was the aim of the game, to try and get top of the time trials. It gives you first seed for the first round and, as long as you keep winning those rounds, then you keep getting that first lane pick. I've got my eye on what lane I would ideally be in given the opportunity, so hopefully I can go on to do good things.”