UPDATE: Australian paddler Drobot has just claimed gold in the U23 K1 500 at the prestigious event in Portugal, solidifying her position as a frontrunner ahead of the upcoming World Championships. Drobot’s impressive performance marks her continued dominance following multiple podium finishes at the senior Sprint World Cups earlier this year.
In the semi-final, Drobot achieved a personal best of under 1:50, a goal she had set for the season. “I was really stoked with how I put my semi-final together,” Drobot expressed. “The PB in the semi gave me quite a lot of confidence leading into the final, and I knew I just needed to replicate my race plan again.”
Crossing the finish line in the final, Drobot felt a mix of relief and pride. “Knowing that all the hard work I’ve put in over the years has paid off is incredibly fulfilling,” she added. Drobot’s recent successes have significantly boosted her confidence as she gears up for the senior World Championships in Milan this August.
Drobot also noted the pressure of competing in major events. “It’s easier to execute race plans when you’re the underdog, but when you’ve made a name for yourself, it becomes a bit more stressful. Being able to do that gives me a very big confidence boost leading into the senior World Championships,” she stated.
In addition to Drobot’s gold, the Australian team celebrated further victories. Pierre van der Westhuyzen, a silver medalist from the Paris 2024 Olympics, secured a bronze in the U23 K1 500. Meanwhile, the U23 K4 500 women’s team, comprised of Samantha Lourey, Jasmine Locke, Jasmine Rayward, and Alyssa Bailey, brought home a silver medal.
These remarkable performances not only highlight the athletes’ dedication but also set the stage for a thrilling competition in Milan. As the paddlers prepare, all eyes will be on them to see if they can continue this winning momentum. Stay tuned for more updates as the countdown to the World Championships begins!
