MALVERN paddler Emily Lewis secured second place at the British Canoeing National Sprint Regatta.
The result at Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham, ensured selection to next month’s European Championships in Racice, Czech Republic, and rewarded her hard work in training over the winter.
Lewis tackled her favoured discipline, the women’s K1 200 metres, in the afternoon and breezed through her heat by finishing first to secure a good lane for the final.
The competition was tough, featuring four London 2012 Olympians, but, after leading for most of the race, the Worcester Canoe Club member was pipped to the line by Rachel Cawthorn.
The 22-year-old still finished in second position and said: “I’m incredibly happy as my coach and I have worked so hard for this.”
Her first race was in the K1 ‘A’ 500m heat where, after easing off the pace, she finished third to qualify for the final before managing seventh place.
But Lewis admitted: “All in all, I’m really happy with that result as I don’t train for that event. I’d like to thank my sponsors for their continuing support.”
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