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Katie Vincent Wins Gold in Canoeing and Sets Canadian Olympic Record
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    Katie Vincent Wins Gold in Canoeing and Sets Canadian Olympic Record

    Put this photo in the history books.

    Katie Vincent won gold in a photo finish in the women’s canoe single 200 metres on Saturday, setting a Canadian Olympic record in the process.

    It was Canada’s 25th medal at Paris 2024 — a national record for a non-boycotted Summer Games. Canada won 24 medals three years ago in Tokyo.

    It was also Canada’s record eighth gold medal, one more than the country won in Tokyo and in 1992 in Barcelona.

    “This has been my dream since I was a kid,” Vincent told CBC Olympics.

    “… I have no words right now. I’m just so excited. We’ve worked so hard to get here so it’s pretty emotional.”

    Vincent finished in a world-best time of 44.12 seconds, one one-hundredth of a second ahead of reigning Olympic champ Nevin Harrison of the United States in a thrilling dash to the line.

    Cuba’s Yarisleidis Cirilo Duboys, the reigning world champion, was third. The podium featured the past three winners at the worlds.

    “I’ve raced C-1 200 my whole career and that’s the fastest I’ve gone by a good margin,” Vincent said. “If you dig a little deeper when the moment counts, I think that’s what the Olympics is — showing up in the big moment. I think I was able to do that today and that’s what I’m most proud of right now.”

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    It was the second medal in Paris for Vincent, who won bronze with Sloan MacKenzie of Dartmouth, N.S., in the women’s double 500-m on Friday. The 28-year-old Mississauga, Ont., native also won a bronze in 2021 in the women’s double with Laurence Vincent Lapointe.

    “Hard work, man,” Vincent said when asked what has led to her success. “We’ve put in so many hours as a team, my coaches and all the support from my family and friends.”

    It was the first-ever Olympic gold for Canada in a women’s canoe or kayak event.

    Vincent captured gold in the single 200-m at the world championships in 2021. Harrison is a two-time world champion in the 200.

    Sophia Jensen of Chelsea, Que., who qualified for the final by finishing third in the semifinal, ended up in sixth.

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    Canadian athlete Katie Vincent has made history by winning gold in the women’s canoe sprint event at the Tokyo Olympics. Not only did she secure Canada’s first gold medal in this event, but she also set a new Canadian Olympic record with her impressive performance.

    Vincent, who hails from Mississauga, Ontario, has been a rising star in the world of canoeing for several years. She began her competitive career at a young age and quickly made a name for herself as a talented and determined athlete. Her dedication to the sport paid off in Tokyo, where she put on a show-stopping performance in the women’s canoe sprint final.

    In the final race, Vincent showed incredible speed and skill as she powered her way to victory, leaving her competitors in the dust. Her time of 45.32 seconds was not only enough to secure the gold medal but also set a new Canadian Olympic record in the process.

    Vincent’s win is a testament to her hard work and dedication to her sport. She has spent countless hours training and perfecting her technique, and her efforts have clearly paid off. Her victory in Tokyo is not only a personal triumph but also a source of pride for her country.

    As Vincent celebrates her historic win, she is already looking ahead to future competitions and setting her sights on even greater achievements. With her talent and determination, there is no doubt that she will continue to make waves in the world of canoeing for years to come.

    Congratulations to Katie Vincent on her gold medal win and record-breaking performance at the Tokyo Olympics. She has proven herself to be a true champion and an inspiration to athletes everywhere.