Walczykiewicz wins Poland's first gold in Baku
PR dla Zagranicy
Nick Hodge
17.06.2015 16:33
Canoeist Marta Walczykiewicz has won Poland's first gold medal in the 1st European Games in Baku, Azerbaijan, taking the top podium spot in the the Kayak Single (K1) 200m women's Canoe Sprint.
Marta Walczykiewicz of Poland celebrates gold in the Kayak Single (K1) 200m women's Canoe Sprint final of the 2015 European Games, in Mingachevir, about 300 kilometres west of Baku, Azerbaijan, 16 June 2015. EPA/MAXIM SHIPENKOV
She pipped Russian Natalia Podolskaya to the post, while Hungarian Danuta Kozak came in third.
“I have to admit that when I saw that the tip of my canoe was slightly ahead of my Russian collegue I was gripped by such a wave of euphoria that I almost jumped into the water,” the winner told Polish Radio.
“I couldn't believe it,” she added.
Poland has now moved up to 14th place in the overall medal rankings, with one gold, two silvers, and four bronzes.
Russia is leader of the pack with 24 medals, including 14 golds.
The 1st European Games run until 28 June. (nh)