Satkova sisters dominated short slalom at World Cup in Troja
The premiere of the short slalom event at the opening round of the ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup in Prague delivered an exciting spectacle and double medal celebration for the home fans. Sisters Gabriela and Martina Satkova shared the podium in the women’s canoe category. In women’s kayak, victory went to Jessica Fox, while Jakub Grigar triumphed among the men and Adam Burgess recorded the fastest time in the men’s canoe final.
Only the top twelve paddlers from Friday’s intense qualification rounds advanced to the short slalom finals. Eight Czech boats made it into the medal fights, with Gabriela Satkova and Jiri Prskavec competing in both canoe and kayak categories. Satkova, the only Czech to reach the women’s kayak final, finished sixth - then paddled to gold in the canoe final just an hour later, finishing three and a half seconds ahead of her older sister Martina.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling. I’m even happier that I get to share the podium with Marťa. When she finished first, I knew I had to push hard so we could achieve our goal together. When it worked out, I was overwhelmed with joy,” said the younger of the Satkova duo. “Gabča keeps proving she’s still the Czech number one. I’m glad I can keep pushing to catch up with her - we both have a lot to learn from each other. And to make the podium together is just amazing,” added Martina.
“Marťa always says I’m number one and she’s number two, but I think we’re both number ones. One day one wins, the next day the other. I wouldn’t say I’m better - and I want her to know that,” Gabriela said with a smile. Germany’s Andrea Herzog completed the podium alongside the Satkova sisters.
In the women’s kayak event, Australian Jessica Fox claimed gold ahead of Poland’s Klaudia Zwolinska and Germany’s Emily Apel. “It was a really good race, I’m proud of myself. I’m happy I was able to fight hard again in kayak - the run was nearly flawless,” said Fox. “It’s fun trying something shorter and more intense. There’s no room for mistakes. And I know the organizers here in Prague are always looking to innovate and push our sport forward, so it was great to race in the short slalom today. I’m really looking forward to tomorrow.”
In the men’s kayak, Tokyo silver medallist Jakub Grigar took the win. “There was tough competition at the start line - basically all the kayakers racing tomorrow were competing today too - so this victory really means a lot. I’ve struggled a bit with results over the past few years, so I’m happy things came together today.
Hopefully, I can carry this confidence into tomorrow,” said the Slovak paddler. Belgian Gabriel de Coster took silver, and Poland’s Mateusz Polaczyk earned bronze. Jiri Prskavec finished fifth, just ahead of Jan Bárta in sixth position.
Young Slovenian Ziga Lin Hocevar held the lead in the men’s canoe for much of the final and hoped his time might be enough for the win. But in the end, it was Britain’s Adam Burgess - second-fastest in qualifying - who edged him out by just under half a second. “It’s a reminder to all of us to stay grounded right until the end. I heard Ziga had a great run, but I knew I just had to focus on my own race. I didn’t have much choice - I had to send it, and it paid off. I really enjoyed today,” smiled the Olympic silver medallist from Paris at the finish.
The Canoe Slalom World Cup program continues tomorrow with the traditional slalom events.
Results to download: K1M Short, K1W Short, C1M Short, C1W Short
Photo: Jaroslav Svoboda and Barbora Reichová