Mexico’s Sofia Reinoso has given herself the chance of competing at a second Olympics, while Canada picked up two Paris 2024 quotas and Brazil secured the men’s K1 Games spot at the Pan American Canoe Slalom qualifiers in Rio de Janeiro.
Canada’s Lois Betteridge and Alex Baldoni were rewarded for a tough preparation which saw them travel around the world in a bid to be in their best shape for the Olympic qualifiers. Betteridge took the women’s C1 and Baldoni the men’s C1.
“In 2020 for Tokyo, I missed out, so to come through here and do a good race, which I got right this time, makes me very happy," said Betteridge.
Baldoni spoke of the pressure he felt coming into the qualifiers, but he is now set to compete at his first Games.
“There were some tough weeks training here in Rio, trying to find some good solutions, training well day to day, finding some consistency, and I was really stressed,” said Baldoni.
“But I found some good options in class and everything went well in the race, so I'm really happy it's finally over.
"I'm really excited for Paris, it's always been a dream for me and now it's coming true.
“It's going to be my first Olympic Games, I'm going to try to do the best I can, but above all enjoy the experience."
Sofia Reinoso made her Olympic debut for Mexico in the women’s K1 in Tokyo, and will now have the chance to compete at a second Games after snatching the win in the women’s K1 in Rio.
"I don't have the words to explain it, I've worked for a long time to make this dream come true,” said Reinoso.
“I have every desire to put everything I have into representing Mexico in the best possible way.
"I trained hard here in Rio so that I could get to know the track better and be as prepared as possible."
Brazil’s Pedro Goncalves has guaranteed his country will be represented in the men’s K1, winning a competitive men’s qualifier on his home course.
"These last few years, these last few months, this last week, this last day,” said Goncalves.
“Only I know my fears, my weaknesses. I'm the only one who knows how hard it was.”
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