European Finals: Bronze medal

(photo: Jamie Austen)







I took part in my 6th Championship (European/Worlds) final on Sunday with the aim of landing just two moves: air loop and helix (aka felix), followed by whatever else I could. Helixes look rubbish in a hole, but at 100 points I wasn't going to pass them by. Other moves were tricky and very flushy in this hole, in fact I was flushing more regularly on cartwheels than I was on the helixes. I got both of the main moves in my first ride with a 'bit of a spin' - giving me 196.7 points, which I didn't better in any of the other rides. Marlene Devillez (FRA) had an awesome first ride with an entry end linked into a huge air loop and another air loop later in the ride giving her a winning 300 point score.

Claire O'Hara had a similar run plan to myself (helix + air loop and clean cartwheel), although she didn't go clean she did get her cartwheel, ending up just 14 points ahead of me - she took the silver medal and I was extremely happy to take bronze - not bad considering my severe lack of training leading up to the event.












The men's event was fantastic to watch, just a shame it was pouring with rain throughout! The good thing about 3 rides best one counts is that due to the throw away rides everyone has the opportunity to step it up a level for the final, and that is what happened with the men. Pringle had been dominating in first place throughout the event, but Peter Csonka found his form on his second ride and landed every move he went for: 980 + points. Unfortunately Pringle couldn't quite match it and took the silver medal.















The Brits did well with:
Men K1 - 2nd James Bebbington, 5th Sam Anderson
Ladies - 2nd Claire O, 3rd Me
Jnr Men - 2nd James Benns, 3rd Brendon Orton
C1 - 4th Stu Parry
Squirt - (unofficial Championships): 1st James Reeves, 2nd Jamie Austen, 3rd Josh Gosling.


Sam Ward explains the latest dance moves!










Overall it was a well-run event and chief judge Sneaky Pete did a fantastic job of keeping the event running quickly and smoothly. A huge thanks also to coaches: Sam Ward and Ross Montandon (as well as Matt Chadder, Dennis Newton and all those who have helped with training session in GB); team staff: Dave Newport & Tim Ward; Sports masseur/physio: Sally

Here's a few pics:


James Reeves: Squirt boat champion















Brendon Orton, junior bronze medalist














James Benns, age 14, junior silver medalist













Pringle - preparing for a huge McNasty












Pringle - huge Mcnasty
















James Benns' proud parents.










Chicken - winners of the cardboard boat race.














Cardboard boat race - team GB. Well done Trev - nice construction :)