Belarus played the role of a dark horse in the first day of flatwater final races in Shunyi Olympic Rowing-Canoeing Park by triumphing in two events, equaling the achievement made by European powerhouse Germany in the day.
The day's races of six events demonstrated a close fight between European hopefuls. Britain's Tim Brabants snatched the gold medal in the men's kayak single (K1) 1000m, the first race on the day's agenda. His supremacy was seriously challenged by contenders from Norway and Australia.
Hungary won men's canoe single (C1) 1000m, and followed by two victories by German paddlers in women's kayak four (K4) 500m and men's kayak double (K2) 1000m.
Hungary and Germany have long been deemed two giants in flatwater racing. They have dominated the sport for many years. So their victories came just as expected.
Belarus appeared later, but with more shock for the audience.
Belarussian paddlers first won the the men's canoe double 1000m by crossing the finish line in three minutes and 36.365 seconds. They lagged behind at the start, but they paddled hard, caught up with the Germans and hit the finish line with a 0.223 second lead.
In a minor medal position for most of the journey, it was only in the last 100 meters that they caught race leader and defending Olympic champions Germany (3:36:588) to win in 3:36:365 seconds.
"We felt good and were prepared for the race. We were not afraid of Germany going ahead at the beginning. We were planning to get ahead at the end," Belarussian paddler Andrei Bahdanovich said in the mixed zone.
"We were physically fit in this final and now we have made our goal come true," he said with a broad smile on his face.
The Germans confessed that the race was hard for them.
"I've never had such a hard race. I'm happy with my silver," German athlete Thomasz Wylenzek said at a post-event press conference. His partner Christian Gille fell ill on Thursday and that affected their performance in the final.
Just 15 minutes after their first victory, Belarus came to reap its second victory, this time in men's kayak four 1000m. The four Belarussian paddlers triumphed in 2:55.714.
Belarus has progressed so far in flatwater races. Wins over Germany and Australia during the World Cup series and its strong performance at this Olympic regatta have put Belarus firmly in line for an Olympic medal although it sent only eight paddlers for the flatwater races.
"At the end of the day, Belarus were better. It was a fair race, there was no wind and the conditions were fair,"Slovak coach Tibor Soos said on the race.
"You can't change what happened but we are still disappointed with bronze," German paddler Bjorn Goldschmidt said.
Before Beijing Olympics, Belarus had only won a bronze medal in Olympic flatwater races. The double win they made on Friday bring new confidence to the team and can inject new impetus into its races on Saturday.
(Xinhua News Agency August 22, 2008)