After big race week in Penrith, Australia, podium pathway athlete Hannah Thomas came away with the U23 women's Oceania titles in kayak and canoe.  The key event for Thomas was the C1 women's event which could have been an opportunity to challenge for the continental olympic quota. However, due to ICF event validation rules around eligible nations this was not possible and we await the final allocation of continental quotas.

In the C1men's event Australia, New Zealand and the Cook Islands fronted with paddlers vying to claim the olympic quota spot.  Although a good attempt was made by New Zealand and Cook Islands, an error at the bottom of the Penrith course cost Oliver Puchner a finals spot and another opportunity to gain the quota with it eventually going to Australia. 

Finn Butcher and Callum Gilbert remained strong throughout the Kayak Cross mens race progressing through to the final with Finn taking bronze and Callum 4th.  Luuka Jones also showed great form in her K1 and kayak cross races narrowly missing out on a podium appearance.

Article added: Thursday 08 February 2024