Ferg buzzing over triple final treat
Relevant offers
Rowing/Kayaking
New Zealand's Olympic kayakers are finally humming, just enough for coach Ian Ferguson to detect the smell of a medal.
A regatta that has improved every day for New Zealand reached a new high yesterday when Ferguson's son, Steven, shocked a clutch of big names with victory in his K1 500m semifinal.
It means three of New Zealand's four crews have booked spots in the nine-boat finals.
The exception is rookie Erin Taylor, whose strong second half wasn't enough to claim a top-three finish in her K1 500m semi, placing fifth.
Steven Ferguson will contest his final tomorrow but before then will team with Mike Walker for their K2 1000m final today.
That race will follow Ben Fouhy's K1 1000m final, where he must summon more reserves after an encouraging semifinal outing if he is to go near his silver medal from Athens four years ago.
"We were a bit worried about Ben, his form wasn't there, and then suddenly he pulled a good one out," four-time Olympic champion Ian Ferguson said.
"Steve and Mike in their very first race (were the same), they did not do a good race.
"We were really worrying and then they came out and smashed it in the second race. Suddenly they're on form again.
"And Steven, that semifinal is the best race he's ever done."
Ferguson Snr found it hard to nominate the best New Zealand medal prospect, believing all had legitimate chances to be close to the front entering the crucial last 100m.
From that point, desire, stamina and technique all have important roles to play.
"The double's looking pretty hot, just the way they raced," Ferguson said.
"But then again, seeing Steven race, if he can do that again... they're both good chances.
"I'd say Ben's got a lot of confidence out of that semifinal. He will probably surprise himself as much as everyone else."
Steven Ferguson was ecstatic to win his first semifinal at a major regatta, heading off top Swede Anders Gustafsson and medal hotshot Tim Brabants of Great Britain.
Lanky powerhouse Ferguson said he was thriving on juggling two events and racing every day.
He believed fatigue wouldn't enter the equation in his finals, despite suffering from "wobbly arms" during yesterday's storming finish.
"I've loved it. I wasn't sure how I would handle it but the challenges have been just building through the regatta," he said.
"The first two races (heats) were pretty rocky, the next two (semis) were really good. Hopefully the next two days are even better."
Meanwhile, Ian Ferguson said Taylor had proven she was closing in quickly on the elite level of women's paddlers.
She needed to improve her starts but her endurance compared favourably with the top Europeans, suggesting a bright future lay ahead.
"She's got what it takes. She gets really, really nervous but when she gets on the water, she can concentrate just out of this world," Ferguson said.
"I was just as proud of how she hopped out with a big smile on her face and said `next time'."
-NZPA
Sponsored links
Lawyer faces impropriety allegations
North-South split on where to rebuild Christchurch
Women prisoners cost much more to lock up
Anger at Holmes' Waitangi remarks
Time may be right for Sanzar to expand Super Rugby
Family still dealing with loss of son
Flags and hope on Libya's uneasy anniversary
Murdoch fights back with "Sun on Sunday"
Hotchin's Waiheke property for sale
FBI foil suicide attack on US Capitol
