Hosts claim their first Gold of the event

Duisburg – Germany, August 30, 2013: Tom Kierey, The 18-year-old was too strong for the rest of the field, including the three-time World Champion Iulian Serban from Romania.

Speaking after the race, Tom Kierey said, ”The challenge was to beat the Romanian. I beat the challenge so I’m happy.”

Ukraine’s Yuriy Kikhayev won the Bronze and added further to their impressive medal tally, which now stands at four: two Bronze, one Silver and a Gold.

Fenando Fernandes (BRA) claimed the world title for the fourth time in a row in the K1 Men 200m Paracanoe A, but this time his margin of victory was significantly reduced.

Pushed all the way, the Brazilian superstar managed to closeout the race with a time of 51.330. Silver went to Great Britain’s Ian Marsden; he stopped the clock a fraction later at 51.920.

“Here it’s more difficult,” said Fernandes. “Guys are more strong and prepared. I need to be very focused.”

“In Brazil when I started we had only five athletes. Now we have over 70.”

“Paracanoe is different because you are free, you are strong, you are beautiful. The guys with disability look at this and want to do it.“

In the same race, Germany’s Christian Mathes took the Bronze; the 19-year-old looked impressive and will certainly be one to watch in the future.

In the V1 Women 200m Paracanoe LTA Great Britain secured their fifth Gold of the championships. Winning in a time of 59.967, Andrea Green (GBR) showed real determination to outsprint a highly experienced line-up.

Talking after her Gold medal winning performance, Green said, “I had a little bit of a slow start then got into my stride. I just thought power stroke, power stroke and gradually people disappeared from my periphery.”

One of those to disappear was yesterday’s K1 Women 200m Paracanoe LTA champion, Christine Gauthier (CAN). However, the Canadian claimed Silver with a strong finish that pushed Anya Pierce (USA) into third.

Medal Winners

K1 Men 200m Paracanoe A

1. Fernando Fernandes (BRA)

2. Ian Marsden (GBR)

3. Christian Mathes (GER)

V1 Women 200m Paracanoe LTA

1. Andrea Green (GBR)

2. Christine Gauthier (CAN)

3. Anya Green (GBR)

K1 Men 200m Paracanoe LTA

1. Tom Kierey (GER)

2. Iulian Serban (ROM)

3. Yuriy Kikhayev (UKR). —- ICF