17-year-old Bethan Forrow teamed up with C1 world champion Mallory Franklin and former European champion Kimberley Woods to help Great Britain defend the women’s C1 team title.
Franklin and Woods were part of the successful team in Pau last year, and said it was exciting to have Forrow join the team.
“It’s so good in Britain that we have this depth, and to have Beth be able to come in and paddle at this level,” Franklin said.
“She hasn’t had that much exposure yet, but she’ll get there.”
I was definitely nervous,” Forrow said.
“My expectations were, like, way above my level. I’m really pleased with the way I paddled, and to be able to do it with these two.”
The first gold medal of the 2018 ICF World Championships went to the French women’s K1 team of Lucie Baudu, Marie-Zelia Lafont and Camille Prigent.
“It’s awesome, we are so happy, it’s good to start the world championships like this,” Prigent said.
“It makes us confident for the next races. It’s good for the team. Everyone was happy this morning and excited to race.”
The French finished ahead of Germany and Great Britain.
The World Championships continue in Rio on Wednesday, with the heats of the men’s C1 and the women’s K1.
