Germany’s teenage sensation Caroline Heuser fulfilled her childhood dream with her first-ever victory on the senior international stage on home waters.
With Birgit Fischer, the country’s greatest Olympic kayaker, watching on at the Beetzsee Regatta Course in Brandenburg, Heuser underlined her burgeoning talent.
The 19-year-old stormed to the women’s kayak single 1000m title in a time of 3:56.81.
Australia’s Ella Beere claimed silver in 3:57.65 as Italy’s Lucrezia Zironi bagged bronze in 3:59.65.
Click here for live startlists and results from Brandenburg
“It’s a really amazing feeling,” said Heuser.
“To win in front of a home crowd with your parents and friends here and you know this course for nearly your lifetime it’s really special.”
Heuser first competed at the Beetzsee Regatta Course in 2019 when she was just 12 years old.
“I was a bit nervous,” said Heuser.
“It’s normal when you do a race but I knew the course.
“The weather was really good compared to yesterday, so I knew I could do this. I was nervous but motivated.”
After the race, Heuser got the chance to meet Fischer, the eight-time Olympic champion.
“It is crazy because as a little girl it was your dream to see these such big athletes,” said Heuser.
“A few years ago you look up to them as a small child and now you are competing against them.
“It’s really cool and a childhood dream.”
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In the non-Olympic event, Uzbekistan’s Artur Guliev overcame Spain’s Pablo Grana by 0.19 to win men’s canoe single 200m gold.
Guliev took the victory in 38.44 as Grana came second in 38.63 and AIN-A paddler Sergey Svinarev bagged bronze in 39.09.
“I am very happy with this performance,” said Guliev.
“I was second in Szeged and then managed to win here.
“I still have the C2 so I have got to stay focused and look forward.”
Pictures by Ute Freise
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