Ottilie Robinson-Shaw and Sam Wilson produced stunning performances to underline Great Britain’s dominance in squirt at the International Canoe Federation Canoe Freestyle World Championships in Plattling, Germany.
Great Britain claimed four of the six medals on offer, taking the top two spots in both the men’s and women’s squirt events as Wilson edged Alex Edwards in a gripping contest before Robinson-Shaw overcame Tamsyn McConchie.
Wilson pulled off a sensational final run to snatch men’s squirt gold from compatriot Edwards in a thrilling all-British battle.
The pressure was on Wilson as Edwards led the way from the first run with an impressive score of 2,596.67 points.
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Edwards improved his total to 2,820.00 with his last ride, leaving Wilson with it all to do when he took to the water.
The 28-year-old responded in magnificent fashion, putting together a wonderful routine before submerging for a 19-second mystery move to take his tally to an incredible 3,246.67.
“There are a lot of emotions, there is a lot of joy and a lot of relief too. That was so much fun to be a part of,” said Wilson.
“Absolutely superb from Alex, I have never seen such beautiful paddling. It was a masterclass.
“I wanted to get that 3,000 points and when I hit the floor of the river instead of getting scared, I just kept telling myself to stay there and that was it.”
It is a fourth silver medal in squirt for Edwards as his wait for gold goes on, while defending champion Taft Sibley of the United States clinched bronze with 2,046.67.
Seeking her second women’s squirt gold after her triumph on home waters in Nottingham in 2022, Robinson-Shaw put down a huge marker with a score of 2,536.67.
No one could match Robinson-Shaw’s brilliance in the water as she increased the benchmark further to 2,790.00 in the second run.
It was too good for the rest of the field as McConchie and American two-time winner Rose Wall were left to battle it out for the other two medals.
Wall went into second position with a score of 1,466.67 before being nudged down to third when McConchie earned 1,900.00 for silver.
Robinson-Shaw stood on the podium after winning her fifth senior world title of her career.
“After winning in Nottingham in 2022 in squirt boating, I’ve been chasing another gold,” said Robinson-Shaw.
“I was a little bit disappointed in Columbus (in 2023), so it was nice to step it up and be back on top of the podium.
“Before this final, I absolutely cried my eyes out because Sam Wilson had just won.
“I have never cried just before a final and I felt all the emotions as he is one of my best friends.
“So to put out a good first ride like that and an even better second ride I feel happy and proud of my team.”
France’s Tom Dolle continued his fine form in the men’s canoe and men’s kayak as he sets his sights on glory on both fronts.
The 2019 C1 world champion qualified for the final in second position with a score of 523.33.
Great Britain’s Matthew Stephenson took top spot in the semi-finals with 633.33 as compatriot Harry Price, Germany’s Sebastian Kurt Rudolf Nelle and defending champion Seth Chapelle of the US completed the top five to advance to the final.
In the men’s K1 quarter-finals, Dolle topped the standings with 2838.33 after scores of 1,200.00, 750.00 and 1638.33.
Other qualifiers for the semi-finals included the great Dane Jackson of the US who is seeking his fourth straight K1 crown, and home favourite Tim Rees who ranked second behind Dolle.
“I am super happy to end up first after the quarter-finals,” said Dolle.
“After the second ride, I was in 10th place, so I barely made it.
“My third ride was just for fun, and it went really well for me.
“I was also super stoked to end up second in the C1 this morning.
“I think I have more potential to do more tricks in the C1, but I am still super happy with second place.
“I will try my best to give everything I have to hopefully get some golds.”
Pictures by Peter Holcombe
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