Ricarda Funk secures ticket for canoe slalom competition in Paris

Tokyo Olympic champion Ricarda Funk has secured her first ticket for the canoe slalom competitions in Paris. The 32-year-old from KSV Bad Kreuznach won the German Olympic qualification in Markkleeberg on Saturday in the kayak. She beat Elena Lilik from Kanu-Schwaben Augsburg into second place by 0.62 seconds. This means that she can no longer be displaced in the internal nomination ranking of the German Canoe Association (DKV) in the final race on Sunday.

"Qualifying for the Olympics feels like the hardest thing there is. These are the toughest two weeks in the last five years. It feels tougher than competing in the Olympics because you simply have to deliver. You have to perform. All that matters is first place, second place is unfortunately too bad," said the 2021 and 2022 World Champion, choking back tears: "It's a huge mental challenge. It's not just been the last two weeks, it's been the last few months, which really haven't been easy."