Satkova takes silver at home as Fox secures a double

Home fans had another reason to celebrate during Saturday’s Canoe Slalom World Cup program in Troja, as Czech canoeist Martina Satkova followed up Jakub Krejci’s gold medal from the previous day with a silver of her own. The women’s final was once again won by Jessica Fox, while Nicolas Gestin claimed victory in the men’s event. Spectators who came to Troja on Saturday created fantastic atmosphere again, and the Czech team rewarded them with six athletes in the C1 finals.

Like Friday’s winner Jakub Krejci, Martina Satkova faced a difficult challenge in the final. As the fastest paddler in qualification, she started the last. “It was tough. Holding your nerve from the last starting position is something only true champions can do. I think I managed it as well as I could. The course was difficult, and I knew mistakes could happen. Considering the fact I made a big mistake, I still managed to fix it. At the finish, I didn’t know whether I had a touch penalty or whether I was second, but when I saw how happy everyone was, I realized I had finished second. I’m absolutely thrilled. And finishing ‘only’ 0.28 seconds behind Jessica Fox is incredible,” said Satkova.

Tereza Kneblova, a winner from Tacen, finished seventh after receiving a four-second penalty and rolling an ‘eskimo’. Tereza Michalova, who returned to the World Cup circuit after maternity leave, finished ninth.

Unlike in Tacen, Australia’s Jessica Fox chose to compete in both disciplines in Prague. Despite collecting two touches on the demanding course, she added a second gold medal. “I didn’t expect to win today. My run wasn’t perfect, but it was a great lesson for me that you should never give up,” said Fox. “I’m happy to share the podium with Martina and Kimberley (Woods). Many thanks to the Czech fans and the local organizers – it’s always wonderful here,” added the phenomenal paddler with a smile.

In the men’s event, Nicolas Gestin managed to win a thrilling final despite receiving a four-second penalty. “I’m happy to be back on the podium in Prague again after a year. The gates were set incredibly difficult. It felt like I was paddling against the water rather than with it, but I still enjoyed it a lot, finding my line and battling with the current. Many thanks to my family, the fans, and the entire French team for their support,” said the Paris 2024 Olympic champion. He was joined on the podium in Troja by Slovakia’s Marko Mirgorodsky and Great Britain’s Adam Burgess.

From the Czech perspective, Vaclav Chaloupka delivered the best result in the C1 finals. Avoiding any touch penalties, he finished sixth. “Considering how I felt during the week while dealing with some health issues, I’m happy I made it into the final. I tried to paddle as good as possible. The final run wasn’t ideal, but I’ll take it as it is. The course was very difficult, and I think it was worthy of a World Cup event. I enjoyed it and I’m glad I got to race twice today,” Chaloupka commented at the finish. Lukas Rohan finished one place behind him in seventh, while Lukas Kratochvil took tenth place after two touch penalties.