The 11th place in the K2 500 meters test of the Canoeing World Cup, with little training together, was not enough for Joana Vasconcelos and Francisca Laia to qualify for Paris 2024, however, the Olympic dream remains firm in the duo.
“After the disappointment of not qualifying for K4 and having missed the gold medal in K2, we managed to win the B final. We gave our best. I couldn’t give another shovel. We have a more than clear conscience”, said Lusa Francisca Laia.
On track two, the pair were always in the lead of the race, completing their performance in 1.44.588 minutes, second only to Kazakhstan, who was fastest at 1.270 seconds.
“We feel that we could have gone further. In the semifinal, in which we did not reach the final, three teams dedicated exclusively to K2 beat us and we came from an exhausting test in K4 500. “said Francisca Laía.
Not containing his frustration, he assured that the duo gave “everything” they had during a “long and exhausting process, in which it is necessary to overcome various adversities and setbacks.”
When Francisca Laia prostrated herself on the deck after getting out of the water to weigh the boat, Joana Vasconcelos knelt down and rested her partner in an endless hug, which ended in tears.
“Although in Portugal we often face each other in K1, above all we are very friendly and we respect each other. We make an excellent couple,” said Joan.
The duo continues to maintain the Olympic dream, even knowing that “it is very difficult”, because, in May 2024, in the European play-off, only one place remains at stake.
Source: TSF
