Michal Martikan adopts a fresh strategy at age 43 in The ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup
The first day of competition at the canoe slalom world cup in Pau revealed some unexpectedly youthful leaders of the heats, a sign of the sport’s promising future that will be in the focus in the coming years.
However, another star was there on the World Cup starting line in France. Michal Martikan is to canoe slalom lovers what Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are to football fans. Legend of canoe slalom still has it, and we anticipate him to compete in the Pau World Cup in 2022.
At 43 years old, Michal Martikan is unquestionably the most experienced and accomplished competitor on the starting line of the Canoe Slalom World Cup in Pau. He is the most successful male canoe slalom paddler of all time, with five Olympic medals, including two gold, two silver, and one bronze, as well as 23 medals from the Senior World Championships and 23 medals from the Senior European Championships. He is an inspiration and hero for many sportsmen.
The passage of time seemed to have paused for the Slovak canoeist. With his second heats run, he was able to qualify for the semifinals despite his dissatisfaction with his heats performances.
“It’s always a delight. I enjoy this activity to an excessive degree “Michal Martikan, who returned to World Cup competition following the 2019 season, says:
His latest individual medals at championships were earned in 2017 at the World Championships in Pau and the European Championships in Ljubljana – Tacen. He won a team gold medal at the European Championships last year. His most recent World Cup victory was in 2017 at Markkleeberg.
Michal Martikan comments on the recent developments that have occurred
“Now, I train somewhat differently. Slalom is still not challenging enough, therefore I must add flatwater training, which I dislike but must do; this is the most significant modification to my training plan”.
“I do not know if it is due to my age, but in the past few years I have sustained several minor injuries that prevent me from practicing as often as I would like. However, the healing is going well.”
Michal Martikan, who is renowned for his expertise and talent, did not find establishing the gates in France to be too challenging. “It’s simple. It is intended for juniors. But every major race makes it more difficult. I would want to see far more challenging courses.”
He observes that major changes have occurred throughout the years. Since 1995, when he won his first individual World Championships medal, he has been an integral part of the main international contests, but paddling techniques and equipment have changed.
“There are several paddlers who are excellent paddlers. Also, I’m not sure if I can say I’m a little bummed with the gals exchanging paddles. However, sometimes it appears to be swift. But there is a significant difference between our paddling a few years ago and now.”
“Due to shorter vessels, the journey is now lot shorter and less difficult. Now, everyone understands how to rapidly turn a boat, and you no longer need to prepare as we did with four-meter boats.”
What are his hopes for the race? “In the semifinal and final runs, I would aim to paddle clear, with no contacts, and utilize the water as much as possible.”
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