Spain was truly dominant in Canoe Ocean Racing. After the victory of Bouzan Sanchez in the men’s final on Friday September 15th, Judit Verges Xifra won the gold medal in the women’s race at the 3rd Mediterranean Beach Games “Heraklion 2023”!
The Spanish two-time European champion in 2021 and 2022 confirmed the title of favorite by winning with a time of 47:49. France’s Thais Delrieux finished 2nd with a time of 49:20.
The bronze medal was won by the 48-year-old great Amaia Osaba Olaberri in 49:47 and added another – the 8th – medal to her glorious resume.
Greek Eleftheria Kaminari finished in 10th place, while the presence of Maria Kouklinou, who at the age of 15 made her debut in an international competition, was also notable, taking 16th place.
Quotes
Winner Judit Verges Xifra commented: “It was a tough race, especially in the second leg. In the second lap I felt better and managed to get a lead. In these races you need technique and tactics, there is competition. I’m glad I made it.
France’s Thais Delrieux, who won the silver medal, remarked: “It was a very good race. The second part was difficult because of the wind. I am happy to be here and of course for the medal”.
Amaia Osaba Olaberri, 48, said: “Judit was always first and it was impossible to get close. I tried to win a medal, the French athlete was very good and I finally won the bronze. I am happy for this medal and the effort I made”
Eleftheria Kaminari, who had her 2nd consecutive participation in the Mediterranean Beach Games said: “The race was relatively passable in good weather, the difficult conditions were on the side course. It was a nice experience, the Patra’s races in 2019 helped me a lot, because I knew how to manage the favorable wind and get a lead over my opponents that I left behind”
Maria Kouklinou, 15-year-old athlete, added fo her thrilled experience: “I am very satisfied with the result, I had never competed with such a wave before. It was the first international event, now I know how I can manage a next race. It was a fantastic experience for me.”
