In a commanding display of skill and teamwork, Ji Bowen and Liu Hao of China clinched the gold medal in the men’s C-2 500m canoe sprint at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Their performance, which saw them dominate from start to finish, earned them a winning time of 1:39.48.
The Chinese duo, who had previously earned silver at the 2023 World Championships, proved their prowess on the water. From the moment the starting signal sounded, Ji and Liu surged ahead, establishing a significant lead by the 250m mark—almost two seconds clear of their competitors. Their flawless execution and powerful strokes ensured they retained their advantage throughout the race.
Liu Hao, reflecting on the win, described the gold medal as a meaningful redemption after his silver finishes in Tokyo. “Winning the gold means a lot to me and is very important for my country as well. It’s compensation for what I’ve done up until now. I always believe I have the power to win,” Liu said, emphasizing the personal significance of this victory.
Ji Bowen, at just 23, complemented Liu’s experience with his youthful vigor, a combination that proved unbeatable. Liu praised his younger partner, saying, “He is very young and motivated; he will be the future of China.”
Italy’s Gabriele Casadei and Carlo Tacchini secured the silver medal with a time of 1:41.08. Their performance was a notable improvement from their seventh-place finish at the World Championships last year. Despite challenging conditions and a fierce battle, Tacchini expressed satisfaction with their achievement. “The Olympics is the biggest competition, so coming home with a medal is always satisfying,” he remarked.
The final podium spot was fiercely contested. Spain’s Joan Antoni Moreno and Diego Dominguez edged out Hungary in a photo finish to claim bronze. Moreno and Dominguez experienced a rollercoaster of emotions, initially fearing they had missed out on a medal. The final confirmation of their bronze was met with an outpouring of joy. “When our name was showing on the screens, it was an explosion of emotions,” Dominguez said, while Moreno added, “We gave everything and we were rewarded with a medal. This is the greatest thing ever.”
The men’s C-2 500m canoe sprint at Paris 2024 delivered thrilling moments and a testament to the elite skill of its competitors, culminating in a memorable final that showcased the very best of Olympic canoeing.
