Great Britain’s Ottilie Robinson-Shaw struggled to hold back the tears after claiming an emotional gold at the International Canoe Federation Canoe Freestyle World Cup in Plattling, Germany.
Robinson-Shaw said she feared she would never kayak again after undergoing surgery on the shoulder she dislocated during last year’s ICF Canoe Freestyle World Championships last October.
The injury left Robinson-Shaw with serious doubts over her future in Canoe Freestyle but she refused to give up on the sport she loves.
Just four weeks after returning to the water, Robinson-Shaw was back at the top of the podium after a fantastic performance in Plattling.
Robinson-Shaw scored 1720.00 points in the women’s kayak squirt final to capture a memorable gold medal.
“This winter was one of the hardest of my life and there was a moment when I never thought I would kayak again and definitely wasn’t thinking I would be competing in the World Cups,” said Robinson-Shaw.
“So to come out with such little training and put down a really strong ride I am very proud of it.
“Kayaking is like riding a bike and all the hard work has paid off.
“This makes me feel really proud of the work that I have put in this winter to recover from an injury and be back here.
“I love kayaking and I hope I can kayak for the rest of my life.
It was a British one-two with Tamsyn McConchie winning silver with 1102.00, while Norway’s Valerie Bertrand bagged bronze with 796.67.
There was also a victory for Great Britain in the men’s kayak squirt with Alex Edwards coming out on top.
Edwards took the title courtesy of his second-round score of 1443.33.
Germany’s Finn Krossig claimed silver with 1220.00, while British paddler David Rogers scored 1206.67 for bronze.
Reigning world champion Landon Miller of the United States held off home paddler Philip Josef to take open canoe surface gold in Plattling.
The American’s first round score of 270.00 points proved to be enough as he withstood a late charge from Josef to take the title.
Josef was second going into the third and final round after registering 196.67 in his opening run.
With the Bavarian crowd behind him, the German pulled out all the stops only to fall just 20.00 points of Miller’s leading mark.
“I am super happy with that,” said Miller.
“My ride wasn’t exactly what I wanted but it was enough to get the job done.
“It was a great competition as Philip put a lot of pressure on me to hit the tricks and I knew that if I didn’t stick the ride I would not be in the place I am now.”
Josef took silver, with the bronze going to Irish paddler Eoghan Kelly who finished with a score of 155.00.
The first of two ICF Canoe Freestyle World Cups in Plattling will conclude tomorrow with four senior finals.
For all the results from today’s races, click here.
Full coverage of the events in Plattling can be viewed on the ICF’s Premium YouTube channel
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