Clarke takes silver medal in World Wild Water Championships

THREE times Irish (C1) Canoe Single Junior Champion Darragh Clarke claimed a magnificent silver medal at the recent Junior ICF World Wild Water Racing Championships held in Austria.

In the Sprint Race, which covers a distance of 400-600 metres, he finished fourth.

And it was to get even better for the Dubliner in the Classic event, as he crossed the line in second.

It marked the first time an Irish canoeist has medalled at a Canoe World Championship event.

“I was absolutely over the moon to win a medal at these championships,” Clarke told The Echo.

“It was a weird feeling because after I had finished, I had to wait for eight people to come through and I was faster than all but one of them.

“When I got over there I was paddling well and training well, and the morning of the race I had never been more relaxed.

“I just felt that I had to go out there and just do what I had to do and I was just thrilled to win a medal,” he added.

The Chapelizod athlete is a member of the Wild Water Kayak Club, based at the Strawberry Beds, and actively trains all year round.

Clarke also competes for Ireland in Canoe Polo and was part of the Under 19 squad that finished third in the recent Belfast Junior International.

Next up for him will be a trip to France with the Irish Under 21 panel to contest the European Under 21 Champ-ionships later this month.