GB CANOEING PRESS RELEASE

11th May 2008

Olympic Silver medallist & GB's Beijing nomination - Campbell Walsh wins GOLD in Slalom European Championships

It was a tense, nail biting Men’s K1 final (kayak single) in the Slalom European Championships, Krakow, Poland.

After a disappointing day yesterday with no GB athletes going through to the Women’s K1 and Men’s C1 (canoe single) finals and the disappointment this morning of no GB Men’s C2 (canoe doubles) through to the finals, it was all down to Campbell Walsh in the Men’s K1 to deliver.

With an impressive ability to keep cool under pressure, Walsh, Olympic Silver medallist from Athens knew, after coming 6th in the semi final, it was imperative that he get a fast time and no penalties in his second run. He was the fifth competitor to go down the course and with France’s Sebastien Combot (World Champion) out of the mix (due to penalties), Walsh knew he was in with a chance of medalling.

Thirty year old Campbell flew down the course with precision, skill and a personal flair, at the bottom half of the course he gave it all he had and powered through the finish line in a time of 89.88 (secs). With five other competitors to follow him, it wasn’t guaranteed that he would come top three until the final paddlers came over the line and when they did, the British supporters roared with jubilation.

Campbell Walsh has picked up several medals in his career, but has repeatedly expressed his desire to win Gold, especially after narrowly missing out on Gold in Athens, so this European Champion title will be a good personal victory an a sound stepping stone in Campbell’s quest for an Olympic Gold this year.

Campbell has been nominated by the British Canoe Union World Class Olympic Podium Programmes to represent GB in the Men’s K1 (kayak single) in Beijing, the BOA (British Olympic Association) will ratify this nomination.

For more in-depth analysis of the European Championships visit the BCU World Class Olympic Podium Programmes and go to Slalom news – http://worldclass-canoeing.org.uk/wcp/119-2-slalom-news.aspx

Men’s K1 final results

1. GBR Campbell Walsh 181.63 (combined time of run 1 & run 2)

2. ITA Daniele Molmenti 181.76

3. GER Fabian Doerfler

THE GB TEAM

For more information & results visit: http://www.canoepcf.org/events/european,slalom,senior,championships,krakow,2008.php

Athlete websites

www.campbellwalsh.com 

http://c2.timbaillie.co.uk/