Today was more drama than daytime TV for kayaking and the Olympics. The following was decided today.

1. One C1 position from the Americas (all of North, South, and Central) was available to the winner of the race.
2. One C2 position was available to the winner.
3. One woman position was available to every country but USA (who earned one already) to the winner.
4. One men’s kayak position was still open to all countries but USA and Canada to the winner.

How much drama is that, whoa! Also the Irish and Canadian men, as well as all USA athletes are still competing to be the top person in their class for a chance to compete in the Olympics.

The course was fast and tricky and there were some great runs on it.

In the men’s class it was Pablo verses the top Brazilians, primarily. Pablo won it in good form after both Gustavo and the other top Brazilian hit gates.
For USA trials it was Brett Hyle winning, with Scott Mann in second again, and Eric Hurd in third. Scott Parsons blew the final move in the big drop and barely avoided a 50 second penalty after winning yesterday. There are still three people in the race for the Olympic spot, Brett, Scott Man, and Scott Parsons, as far as I can tell. Eric Hurd is not far out either.

In the women’s class the Brazilian, Pauliana Depaula was winning after 1st runs and it would mean no Canadians in the Olympics, but on the second Run the Canadian, Jessica Groeneveld pulled it out to beat her by one place earning a spot for the Canadian team for the ladies.

In the C1 class- Ben Frakir took second behind Australian Robin Bell (who doesn’t count) to assure the USA Olympic Spot. James Cartwright wasn’t far behind from Canada.

In the C2 class- McCluskey and Crane earned the USA a spot today with their win.

I got 25th today, two spots ahead of yesterday! My second run had 6 seconds in penalties but I am getting much faster! Give me another few races and look out!

Emily had a great first run and was in 13th place. Her second run was much slower, but she still got 16th. Good job!

Here are some photos.

The day was hot and sunny and the crowds were HUGE! Great job in organizing the event. NBC had about 10 cameras which was quite cool. I may have looked at a few during my run for fun.

EJ