When Ricarda Funk lined up for the German Olympic Canoe Slalom selection race earlier this year, the pressure was enormous.
Funk is the reigning Olympic champion and two-time world gold medallist in the women’s kayak.
She was expected to deliver.
For many months, Funk had been thinking over and over again about this race that would seal her place at the Games.
“In 2016, I was not ready to handle this kind of pressure,” said Funk who agonisingly missed out on a place at Rio 2016.
“I was not able to show my skills in Olympic selections and I was really sad about this.”
Some paddlers might have buckled under that intense pressure again, but Funk is now a proven performer on the big stage and knows how to produce her best when it matters most.
Funk described this year’s selection race as a “mental fight” and was relieved to emerge with a ticket to Paris as she bids to defend her Olympic title.
“Since October, November, my focus was on this selection,” said Funk.
“It took a lot of energy out of me and that’s why I didn’t race in the European Championships because I needed a break.”
Funk captured the Olympic crown at Tokyo 2020 before winning back-to-back world titles, including one on home water in Augsburg in 2022.
The 32-year-old will come up against tough competition at Paris 2024 including Australia’s Jessica Fox and fellow German paddler Elena Lilik, but she insists she is ready to take on the challenge.
“It is going to be crazy to be on the start line as Olympic champion,” said Funk.
“The pressure is going to be hard, but the pressure can also be a positive energy and I try to use it that way.
“I think I have shown that I can handle pressure.”
Funk said she was also looking forward to being roared on by her friends and family when she competes in Paris after the experience of racing in front of empty stands at Tokyo 2020 due to coronavirus restrictions.
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“Tokyo is still amazing for me,” said Funk.
“It was my first Olympics and we all know it was the Covid Olympics with no spectators, so we just had the race.
“There were no distraction but obviously I was dreaming of a different kind of Olympics.
“Now I am selected for Paris, I am really happy about this as it will be this full Olympic package and my family will be there.
“They have bought tickets and I cannot wait to see them on the tribune cheering.
“I know they have done so much for this sport so they deserve to feel this Olympic spirit.
“They couldn’t be there in Tokyo.
“They had bought tickets and booked flights but it was not possible to go there so they were just at home, watching in front of the TV.
“Paris is going to be huge event for all of us.
“We see these big stands and it makes me dream of the race.”
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