Belarus win silver medal in K4 500m at 2020 Tokyo

Team Belarus won another medal in the morning of 7 August on Sea Forest Waterway in Tokyo.

Belarus’ team of Volha Khudzenka, Maryna Litvinchuk, Marharyta Mahneva and Nadzeya Papok captured a silver medal in the Women’s K4 500m. Gold went to Hungary who overtook the Belarusians only at the finish.

The girls improved their Rio result where they finished third.

"This is an important medal for us and for the national canoe sprint! We are happy that everything turned out well, happy to compete against such strong rivals. Although it was not without luck. Today luck was on our side. We thank you all!” Volha Khudzenka said.

“If we compare the medals in Rio and Tokyo, the difference is tangible. In Brazil, we were third, in Japan - second. We did a titanic job since Rio. Paris is not that far away. Who knows, maybe we will climb another step up. We do our best. So do our coaches. Even children in sports schools support us. We are doing this for you, our fans!,” Maryna Litvinchuk said.

President of Belarus’ NOC Viktor Lukashenko congratulated Volha Khudzenka, Maryna Litvinchuk, Marharyta Mahneva and Nadzeya Papok on winning a silver medal.

"Dear girls!

Please, accept the warmest congratulations on winning a silver medal in K4 500m at the Olympic Games in Tokyo. Your success is the testimony of the great coaching system and traditions in this sport in our country.

You have won an Olympic medal in the face of fierce competition. For many athletes, your achievements and victories are an example of hard work and inspiration, dedication to your beloved sport. I am sure that many more great victories are ahead of you. I wish you well-being and health, successes for the benefit of Belarusian sport!”

Press service of Belarus’ NOC

Photo by Belarus’ NOC