Joe Clarke hoping history repeats after nervy qualifying run in kayak singles
Joe Clarke is hoping history repeats itself after qualifying for Thursday’s kayak singles semi-finals.
The 31-year-old from Stone, champion in the event at Rio eight years ago, had to hold his nerve after an error on his opening run resulted in a time penalty which left him sitting 23rd and out of the qualifying positions at the midway point of Tuesday’s heats.
But a strong and more importantly clean second run saw him record the fourth quickest time and he heads into the semi-finals with his medal hopes very much alive.
Clarke was quick to point out he had also overcome a similarly rocky start in Rio before going on to claim gold.
“You have to stay calm, remind yourself you know what you’re doing,” he said.
