Andrew Russell will have to take the scenic route to the podium at the world sprint canoe-kayak championships.
The Dartmouth native and his partner Gabriel Beauchesne-Sevigny of Trois-Rivieres, Que., missed chances for direct byes to a pair of C-2 finals Thursday, placing fourth in their 1,000-metre heat in the morning and third in the 500 in the afternoon.
“It’s a little perk if you were able to (qualify for the finals) because that would give us a little bit more rest,” Russell said.
“Gab and I both have four events so it’s going to be a long weekend, but we’re looking forward to it either way.”
Andrew’s brother, Benjamin, and Halifax’s Richard Dalton placed fourth in the C-4 1,000 and advanced to the semifinals.
Waverley’s Karen Furneaux (K-1 500 heats) and Dartmouth’s Una Lounder (K-2 500) also moved on to the semis.
SUCCESSFUL RETURN: There were no ill effects for Adam van Koeverden on Thursday in his first official race since breaking his ankle on a whitewater rafting trip in June.
The three-time Olympic medallist won his K-1 500 and 1,000 heats and will compete in Friday’s semifinals.
“My ankle’s fine and it’s not posing any difficulty or hurting at all in the boat,” said van Koeverden, who was on crutches for a few weeks and worried about his leg’s strength.
Van Koeverden and Mark Oldershaw (C-1 500 and 1,000) were Canada’s only paddlers to win their heats yesterday, but every crew advanced at least to Friday’s semifinals.
“We’re optimistic and we have every reason to be,” he said.
