Australia’s Murray Stewart is a step closer to being nominated for the London Olympic team after blitzing the field in the Men’s K1 1000 at the Oceania Championships in Penrith here Saturday.
The 25-year-old was in a class of his own from the start and finished 4.89 seconds ahead of compatriot Jacob Clear in a punishing final.
“It was a tough race, a tough field, so I was definitely happy to come away with the win,” Stewart said.
After forging an early lead, Stewart said he had to concentrate to remain focussed on his own race.
“I try not to look around too much while I am racing,” he said.
“I guess that is kind of my strength, going out fast. I just tried to keep my head in my lane and be ahead at the end.”
While Australia is yet to officially earn its Olympic quota for the K1 1000, Stewart has now put himself in a strong position to compete in two events in London.
“The priority is still with the K4. I guess that was the main aim on Friday,” Stewart said.
“Having said that it was nice to get a win in this too but I’m sure the others will bounce back next time, it’s not going to be a walk in the park.”
“Kenny [Wallace] is an amazing athlete and I will tough to do it again.”
Wallace capped off a podium finish for Australia after coming in third with a time of 3:37.16 following the disqualification of New Zealand’s Ben Fouhy.
“There are a couple of more Olympic selection races to go. It’s not the end of the world but it does leave me in a tough spot,” Wallace said.
“But I’ve been in worse positions before and I’ve come through.”
Five time Olympian Clint Robinson finished sixth, with the 39-year-old admitting he will be up against it to claim a spot for London.
“I think my chances are quite slim to be honest with you,” he said.
“But what I see in the sport is a healthy group of young people going quite well.”
“And honestly, Murray’s paddling at the NSW championship and here at the Oceania were very, very good and he is well and truly the best paddler on the water at the moment.”
Stewart’s amazing win wasn’t the only thing that had people talking after the race.
Olympic silver medallist and world champion Fouhy was disqualified after he failed to follow post-race procedures, while a protest by Ken Wallace that he was impeded by weed on the course was dismissed.
Alana Nicholls completed add the K1 500m win to her 200m wins from yesterday.
Infostrada Sports
