Olympic Update: Penalties Keep U.S. Canoe/Kayak Slalom Athletes from Advancing

Casey Eichfield, Photo Courtesy USA Canoe/Kayak

After two days of slalom racing at the 2012 Olympic Games, U.S. Canoe and Kayak athletes put in a good show but failed to advance to semi-finals in the slalom competition:

U.S. Canoe and Kayak Slalom Results
On Sunday, July 19, three-time Olympian Scott Parsons (Men’s K1) and two-time Olympian Casey Eichfield (Men’s C1) narrowly missed out on advancing to semi-finals. Parson placed 16th out of 22 boats and Eichfield placed 14th out of 17 boats. For official times and race details, read the U.S. Canoe/Kayak team press release HERE.

On Monday, July 30, Eric Hurd and Jeff Larimer (Men’s C2) posted times fast enough to advance to the next round of competition, but lost six seconds off their official time due to three gate touches. Caroline Queen (Women’s K1) lost two seconds due to one gate touch, and on a second qualifying heat, nearly missed the last gate (which would have resulted in a 50-second penalty). To the delight of the crowd, she battled back to the course and finished the race.

Hurd and Larimer finished 12th out of 14 boats, and Queen finished 17th out of 21 boats.

Up Next: Slalom Semi-finals and Finals:
U.S. slalom racers may be finished, but Olympic athletes advancing to the next round of slalom competitions will compete at the following times (in London time):

Tuesday, July 31
Slalom Men’s C1 Semifinal, 13:30
Slalom Men’s C1 Final, 15:06

Wednesday, Aug. 1
Slalom Men’s K1 Semifinal, 13:30
Slalom Men’s K1 Final, 15:15

Thursday, Aug. 2
Slalom Men’s C2 Semifinal, 13:30
Slalom Men’s C2 Final, 15:18
Slalom Women’s K1 Semifinal, 14:12
Slalom Women’s K1 Final, 15:57

Next Event for the U.S. Canoe and Kayak Team: Sprint Racing
The fun isn’t over for the U.S. Canoe and Kayak team. Sprint races begin on August 6 for all remaining athletes.

Canoe Sprint, Schedule and Medals HERE >

Olympics Canoe and Kayak Coverage on NBC
Taped highlights of the Women’s K1 Slalom will be shown on NBC at 4:45 Eastern Time. Men’s C-2 Slalom highlights will be shown at 12:50 a.m. ET on Tuesday morning. Check local listings HERE.

For a primer on Olympic canoeing and kayaking, read more on www.ilovepaddling.com HERE.