Cascade’s Strongest Showing – Medals for All
Cascade Canoe & Kayak Racing Team Athletes took to the water and then to the podium today. Of the nine events raced today, Cascade athletes brought home 3 Bronze, 2 silver and 4 gold, led by Under 16 canoeist Andree Ghizila.
The highlight of the regatta continues to be the stellar performance of canoeist Andreea Ghizila. Dominating the Under 16 C-1 (Canoe Single) 500 meters, Ghizila finished over six seconds ahead of second place, winning in a time of 2:23.72. This win solidified her USA Team qualification for the Olympic Hopes Regatta in Szeged, Hungary in September.
Teaming with three other young women, Olivia Crocker, Anna Martinson and Nani Woodard from Gig Harbor, Ghizila finished second to the Seattle powerhouse C-4 (Canoe Four Person) in Under 18 500 meters in a time of 2:16.88. In a dominating performance and winning by nearly 14 seconds ahead of their Georgia rival, Ghizila and partner Olivia Crocker raced the C-2 500 meters in a time of 2:16.88.
In Under 16 C-2 200 meters action, Ghizila teamed with Gig Harbor partner Alyson Chiou to win in a time of 56.52, nearly 8 seconds ahead of second place Seattle.
The upset of the day came in C-2 Women Junior 500 meters where Ghizila and partner Olivia Crocker upset Seattle reigning National Champions Murphy and Neutz by a very close .71 seconds in a time of 2:18.82.
US National Team Head Coach Claudiu Ciur had high praise for Ghizila. “Andreea has strong technical skills and competitive spirit. We look forward to seeing her continue to develop in the years to come.”
In Masters Over 60 racing, Joanna Crocker and Dan Henderson teamed up in K-2 (kayak two person) Mixed 500 meters in a time of 2:58.33 for a silver medal. In 500 meters K-1 Joanna won bronze in a time of 3:40.92 and another bronze in the 5000 meters distance event. Also in Masters Over 60, Henderson finished third in K-1 500 with a time of 3:43.92 and second in the 5000 meters
“Today all three of our team members medaled in every event they entered. It was one of strongest showings in Cascade history,” exclaimed Cascade Head Coach, Dan Henderson. Joanna really stepped up and found another gear, while Andreea is the talk of the regatta, displaying her strong technical skills, endurance and competitive heart.”