Minsk2019. Maryna Litvinchuk – Champion of 2nd European Games in Women’s K1 5000m

June, 27 is the final day of canoe sprint competitions at the 2nd European Games. Belarusian athletes are to compete in 11 medal events. Maryna Litvinchuk, who has now 3 medals in total (1-1-1), won 5000m race with outstanding results.

Maryna took the lead on the start line, but let her Hungarian rival lead from time to time. However Maryna managed to clinch gold on the finish line. She clocked 24:52.25! Silver went to Dora Bodonyi of Hungary (24:52.97) and the top three was closed by the Slovak athlete Mariana Petrusova (24:59.099).

Maryna Litvinchuk: «I don’t recall 5000m to be that hard. But I’m glad that I managed it. And happy that I became champion at home. Before the start President wished me luck.»

«When I arrived all the rival’s boats were already lined up. And the strong wind…But I crossed myself and decided to fight until the end. You can’t even imagine how glad I am».– she adds. 

За соревнованиями по гребле с трибун наблюдали Глава государства и НОК Беларуси Александр Лукашенко, и.о. первого вице-президента НОК Беларуси Виктор Лукашенко, министр спорта и туризма Сергей Ковальчук и другие.

Maryna has now 4 medals in medal’s total at the 2nd European Games (4-1-1).

Congratulations to the athlete and the Belarusian team on winning gold!

Press Service of the NOC Belarus

Photos: Denis Kostiuchenko