c1 200 podium

C1 200 Medalists.

The Women’s C1 200 world record dropped two times at the 2014 ICF Canoe/Kayak Sprint World Championships and the A Final was thefastest women’s canoe final ever!

In the semi-finals, Brasil’s Valdenice Conceicao do Nascimento — known for her million dollar smile and for being a great Canoe Mom – blitzed the competition in a new C1 200 world record – :46.611. She broke reigning world champion Laurence Vincent Lapointe’s (CAN) record of :46.878 set June 28 at Canadian National Team Trials 3 in Montreal.    Lapointe – not to be outdone – broke this in the final.

SEE C1 AND C2 RACE VIDEO
Women’s C2 500 FINAL.  Fast forward to 49:43.

It was an all-European podium for the first time ever.  2013 & 2014 U23 World Champions Zsanett Lakatos and Kincso Takacs (HUN) reign supreme in 2:03.152. 2013 & 2014 Junior World Champions Daryna Katsiuchenka and Kamila Bobr followed for silver in 2:04.152. Russia’s Natalia Marasanova and Olesia Romasenko outlasted reigning world champions Laurence Vincent Lapointe and Sara-Jane Caumartin (CAN) to get the final podium spot. The Canadians powered through in a distant 4th.

Belarus stormed out in front and led by over a boat half way. But Hungary clearly had a “never say die” grit and maintained their incredible power over the last 200m.  This is a phenomenal example of “Never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up.” (Winston Churchill).

Women’s C2 500 MEDAL CEREMONY    Fast forward to 1:11:00

Women’s C1 200 FINAL – with a new world record.   Fast forward to 3:23:40
Medal ceremony – Fast foward to 3:35:20

Laurence Vincent Lapointe (CAN), Staniliya Stamenova (BUL) and Valdenice Conceicao do Nascimento (BRA) were neck ‘n neck the entire way. 8-Time World Champion Lapointe set the bar in 2010 and keeps setting the bar. It’s one thing to win. It’s another to keep winning and continue to refine and improve in the process. All while carrying a full university work-load.

c2 500 podium

C2 500 podium

While it’s clear the 2014 European Champion Stamenova was not happy to get the silver for the second year in a row, this is a personal best for the Bulgarian pioneer canoeist. Bulgaria currently has little to no development of women’s canoe and training without a training group makes improvement that much harder. Despite her isolation, Stamenova has overcome significant odds to stand with the best in the world – ever. And, lastly, the always smiling power pack from Brasil exploded off the line and had her eyes on the finish line wanting nothing less than gold. We know Valdenice has overcome significant challenges to get to this place and we are delighted to see her determination and belief pay off.

Great racing to ALL of the women canoeists. You all were amazing and put on the best show ever.

10 years ago, even 3-5 years ago, people were laughing at women’s canoe saying it would never be in the Olympics. (emphasis on “never”). Never doubt that it is because of you, and all of the people who believe in you and support you, that Amazing Awaits for Women’s Canoe in Tokyo 2020!!

————————————–

Check out 8-Time World Champion Laurence Vincent Lapointe’s perspective on women’s canoe in the Olympics. Thank you Laurence for speaking out!
“It’s a matter of fairness. We deserve it as much as anyone.”

Listen to her interview with Tiffany Cassidy of CBC at this link.  A few notes of clarification: CBC cited “36 countries currently competing or developing” women’s canoe.  There are nearly 50 countries across 4 continents competing and/or developing women’s canoe in Sprint. Nearly 40 in Slalom. See our Myths vs Facts page

2014 sr worlds c1 200 B FINAL 2014 sr worlds c1 200 FINAL 2014 sr worlds c1 200 semi 1  NEW WORLD RECORD 2014 sr worlds c1 200 semi 2 2014 sr worlds c2 500 Final results c1 200 final results C1 200 finish c2 500 hungary  c2 500 race c2 500 russia podium Hungary C2 Jana Jezova Laurence and t-shirt Netica interviewed Russia C2 500