Medals galore in Portugal

The Australian canoe sprint team has started its European tour in fine fashion by winning a host of medals at the opening ICF World Cup event in Portugal.

NSWIS athletes Murray Stewart, David Smith and Lachlan Tame all claimed gold medals in Montemor-o-Velho, with Stewart and Smith combining in the men’s K4 1000m to defeat Spain, while Tame joined Ken Wallace to triumph in the men’s K2 1000m.

The gold rush was complemented by Stewart taking silver in the men’s K1 1000m while youngster Riley Fitzsimmons impressed by finishing fifth in the K2 1000m alongside compatriot Jordan Wood.

Jo Brigden-Jones and Naomi Flood teamed together to finish ninth in the women’s K2 500m before finishing fourth in the Australian K4 200m and K4 500m events.

The next installment of the ICF Canoe Sprint World Cup takes place in Duisburg, Germany from 22-24 May 2015.