Emma Wiggs reigns supreme

EMERGE Paracanoeist Emma Wiggs MBE dominated the field to win her sixth ICF Paracanoe World Championship title in Racice, Czech Republic.

Leaving the rest of the field in her wake, Emma took home the gold in record breaking 49.947 in the Women’s KL2 200m, her fifth gold in this event in successive years. Wiggs finished almost two seconds ahead of the rest of the field, with British team mate Nicola Paterson finishing strong to clinch silver.

Emma, the former sitting volleyball player now holds the grand slam of KL2 titles, having topped the podium at the European Championships earlier this year and at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, where paracanoe made its debut. She is also the world record holder and reigning British Champion.

Having had a broken finger, as well as rib and elbow injuries this year, Emma’s preparation has been far from ideal. However, with Tokyo 2020 on the horizon, she has been determined to push on and prepare as best she can to start the new cycle off with positive performances.

On her victory, she said: “I can’t believe it, what a year. It is brilliant to hold all the titles.

“I felt quite strong through the race but I’ve had a lack of speed work this year due to injuries so to win it in a build year is more than I could’ve asked for. My coach Matt has been an absolute legend this year.

“This has been the toughest year of my career. After the Paralympics everyone is on my tail and I feel the pressure but I want to keep performing and will do as long as I have a good race in me. This has probably been the most satisfying title so far.

“I feel proud and honoured to be part of the team and to sit on the podium with my team mate Nicola is great.”