Richard Hounslow puts broken K1 dreams aside to refocus
1st August 2012
Richard Hounslow’s dream of Olympic medal success was dashed today as he failed to make the K1 (kayak single) final. The conditions today at Lee Valley White Water Centre were perfect, scarcely any wind, no rain and a noisy home crowd.
Making Olympic history by competing in both the K1 and C2 (canoe double) classes, Hounslow had already experienced the white water course more than his competitors, but his speed in the individual event was just not on the pace and he ended up in twelfth place in a time of 104.30 (the top ten went through to the finals).
Knowing that his run may not have been fierce enough, Richard had to wait twenty minutes to find out if had done enough to make it through to the finals.
After his run Hounslow said: “I thought that it had been a half decent run to be honest and that I had done enough. But when I crossed the line and saw that I had had a touch and that I was off the pace as well I knew I was out.”
“I am gutted and disappointed that I couldn’t put in a performance that myself and the home crowd could be proud of. There is always pressure and the nature of the sport is so technical. It is hard out there and the noise on the start line was incredible. You try and work off it but it is difficult. At the end of the day this is my job and I have got to deal with the pressure and today I didn’t - I have got to take full responsibility.”
Commenting on Richard’s performance, John Anderson GB Performance Director added: “He started well but he had a big time loss after the first drop and was chasing it after that. It was just not his best run at all, which is a pity because I cannot remember another semi-final where there has been a six second time gap between the first and 10th paddler. There was an opportunity there and I am disappointed for Richard that he wasn’t able to take it."
The finals were absolutely gripping, Italy’s 27 year old Daniele Molmenti set a stupendous run time, full of power he sparkled on the water and flew down the course in untouchable style. The World number one and five times European Champion Slovenia’s Peter Kauzer was last to set off but a few small mistakes cost him dearly and he ended in sixth place.
After disappointment in both their individual classes Richard Hounslow and Olympic Silver medallist David Florence will now refocus to make sure that they don't come away empty handed. Looking forward Richard said:“I haven’t really performed to the best of my ability this whole competition. It is hard but I have got to now pull myself back together again and hopefully if we can put in a good semi final and get into the final tomorrow there are six boats for three medals so it is all to play for.”
Tomorrow, the final day of canoe slalom competition is a big day, with three British boats in the mix. Hounslow and Florence will be joined in the C2 competition by the experienced Tim Baillie and Etienne Stott (World and European medallists) who have strong prospects. The British crews will be up against the legendary Horschorner brothers from Slovakia who will be looking to make history by claiming their fourth consecutive Olympic gold.
It’s not only the canoe doubles that will be fighting their way to the finals, Lizzie Neave will be competing in the women’s K1 semi final following a stunning performance in the heats. GB Canoeing will be hoping she makes the last day of canoe slalom racing a memorable one. There will be no hiding from Lizzie Neave in her semi-final where she will look to claim a top ten spot for a place in the final. She’ll be up against two time World Champion Corrina Kuhnle (Aus) and World number one Jana Dukatova.
Results
1 ITA Daniele Molmenti 93.43
2 CZE Vavrinec Hradilek 94.78
3 GER Hannes Aigner 94.92
12 GBR Richard Hounslow 104.30
Tomorrow’s schedule
13:30 - 14:02 Men's Canoe Double Semi-finals
14:12 - 14:59 Women's Kayak Semi-finals
15:18 - 15:38 Men's Canoe Double Final Medal event
15:57 - 16:29 Women's Kayak Final Medal event