Canoeist Savšek becomes world champion in slalom
Pau, 30 September - Slovenian canoeist Benjamin Savšek won the world champion title in whitewater slalom in Pau, France, on Saturday. Slovak Alexander Slavkovsky finished second and his fellow countryman Michal Martikan was third.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Slovenian canoeist Benjamin Savšek.
Photo: Stanko Gruden/STA
Savšek was very fast in the finals and beat all rivals despite touching a gate, which cost him two seconds.
This is the first world champion title for the 30-year-old Savšek, who already has a bronze from Praga (2013) and two silver medals from world championships in London in 2015 and Deep Creek in 2014.
"It really flew. As I said before the championship, the second place was not an option this time ... Really superb feelings."
After touching a gate, Savšek said he had expected a medal nonetheless but was really surprised to learn that he won.
"I really did it. It's incredible. I surprised even myself and I still can't believe I was vice champion twice and now I'm the champion," Savšek said.
He said he felt he had really earned this medal. "I've worked really hard to get to this," he said.
The other Slovenian in the finals, Anže Brenčič, was 11th.