A sign advertising the race in Tacen.Today David competed in the World Championships in Tacen, Slovenia. The two runs today were to qualify for the semi-finals on Sunday.
Even with some of the fastest splits, David was unable to qualify due to mistakes that were simply insurmountable...even with how well he is currently paddling. It's so hard to be on the sidelines, knowing how hard he works, yet watching small errors become huge errors as the river (and sport) have no mercy.
There are no do overs in this arena.
The similarities between ski racing and whitewater continue to baffle me. Unlike most sports, you get one shot. There are a million variables, meaning you have to make a million split decision during the 90seconds it takes you to complete a run. You can win every split, but one mistake can be your downfall. Today Michael Kurt, who had podiums in 50% of the World Cups this year and finished 2nd in the Overall World Cup also missed qualifying for the semis. As did John Hastings from Canada, 8th in the overall World Cup. I mention these athletes simply as a demonstration to how similar it is to ski racing. On any given day, you can be on top of the podium or you can be out of the game entirely.
Yet, there are some athletes who have figured out a level of consistency that is truly remarkable. It's amazing to watch such performances.
Sport can inspire yet it can also bring you to your knees. I suppose that's why we love it so.
An exciting and loud crowd to cheer on the competitors.--
Many, many, many countries are attending these Worlds.--
Huw from GB is staring down the upstream gate during inspection.--
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