The second day of the U23 and Junior World Rafting Championships in Slovenia, saw the explosive RX discipline unfold—bringing tight battles and high-stakes strategy racing into the Solkan venue. With national pride and crucial points on the line, the event proved to be a pivotal stage in the championship, as some nations extended their dominance while others earned their first medals of the competition.
The Czech Republic emerged as the day’s top performer bringing home 6 RX medals, but they definitely weren’t alone in the spotlight.
JUNIOR WOMEN
The U19 France 1 crew (Charlotte Levacon, Mathilde Hostyn, Kaéna Baylac, Jeanne Lafitte) claimed gold after a clean and confident performance in final A, leaving the silver medal to Italy 1.The podium, awarded by IOC Executive Board Member Ivo Ferriani, was completed by the bronze of Czech Republic 1.
JUNIOR MEN
Italy's Junior Men 1 (Matteo Lancellotti, Luca Liuzzo, Giacomo Schettino, Duccio Boscia) continued their excellent form from Downriver, this time triumphing in the RX challenge against Czech Republic 2 (silver). The duel for the Bronze saw Italy 2 defeating Czech Republic 1.
U23 WOMEN
In this intense knock-out Czech Republic 1 (Sara Hrdlickova, Kristyna Znamenackova, Katerina Rutarova, Rozalie Svehlova) powered through the gates to secure gold, while silver went to Japan 1 team. Downriver winners from Italy 1 earned the bronze in the final B.
U23 MEN
In the U23 Men’s RX, it was Turkey 1 (Emirhan Aksoy, Ahmet Raşitoğlu, Hamza Karabulut, Yavuz Efe Güngör, Oğuz Avcı) who stood atop the podium. Czech Republic 2 and 1 respectively celebrated the second and third steps of the podium.
U23 MIX
The day concluded with the exciting U23 Mixed RX, where Japan 1 (Sona Suzuki, Kaori Takigasaki, Tatsunori Oki, Kaito Sasaki) edged out Czech 2 in the tight final A. Same countries competed in Final B that was taken home by Czech Repoublic 1 succeeding against Japan 2.
Today on 5th the Slalom gates decide everything: 2 manches to award the finale crucial points, and crown the overall World Champions. Stay tuned!
@worldrafting
