Britain’s Joe Clarke MBE marked the opening day of the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships with a gold medal in the men’s kayak cross in Oklahoma City.
The 33-year-old surged to victory in the individual time trial in 46.54 seconds at the Olympics Canoe Slalom venue set to be used at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
“It feels amazing. I’ve not been running the best the past couple of days and I tweaked my neck a little bit,” Clarke said.
“Yesterday’s kayak cross was probably one of the worst I’ve ever had, so to turn it around within 16 hours is fantastic and a great start to the competition.”
Clarke won silver in the same event at Penrith last year, and has now won seven world titles across all events.
Meanwhile, Lois Leaver claimed her first-ever World Championship medal at senior level as she won bronze in the women’s kayak cross individual.
The 24-year-old finished just 0.12 seconds off gold in 51.17 seconds, her best career result to date.
