Ukrainian paddler claims title in women´s kayak single (K1) 500m

Source: Xinhua | 08-23-2008 16:48

BEIJING, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian paddler Inna Osypenko-Radomska claimed the title in women's kayak single (K1) 500m in Shunyi Olympic Rowing-Canoeing Park on Saturday by clocking 1:50.673.

Inna Osypenko-Radomska of Ukraine competes in the women’s kayak single (K1) 500m final at Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in the Shunyi  Rowing-Canoeing Park in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. Inna  Osypenko-Radomska of Ukraine won the gold medal. (Xinhua Photo)

Josefa Idem from Italy got the silver medal (1:50.677) and German paddler Katrin Wagner-Augustin won the bronze medal with 1:51.022.

The most favorite for the event, Hungarian Katalin Kovacs finished fourth. She took the lead in the first part of the race, but clearly slowed down in the last sprint.

Katalin Kovacs holds the world best time for this event. She created the record of one minutes and 47. 343 seconds in Szeged of Hungary in 2002.

Flatwater races reached the Olympic Games in 1924 and were placed on the Olympic program in 1936. In flatwater races, paddlers must race on a straight course, each boat in a separate lane. In the kayak, the paddler is seated and uses a two blade paddle, while in a canoe, the paddler is on one knee and uses a single blade paddle.

Editor:Chen Ge