Magnificent Mallory celebrates second gold medal in a matter of weeks
Windsor's Mallory Franklin celebrated her second gold medal in a matter of weeks as she paddled her way to Canoe Slalom World Cup glory in Krakow, Poland this weekend.
Competing in the C1 category, Franklin slalomed her way through the gates to finish 1.17 seconds clear of France's Marjorie Delassus, and celebrated her 28th birthday in style.
It's been a remarkable few weeks for the Olympic silver medallist who paddled her way to gold in the European Championships in Slovakia less than a month ago.
Again, her almost faultless performance there pushed Delassus into second spot by 1.72 seconds. Czech paddler Tereza Fiserova finished third in 1.55.77.
Her fine form may be attributable to a switch of coaches following her success at the Tokyo Games last summer. After more than 10 years working alongside Craig Morris, the Windsor star has switched to twotime Olympic silver medallist Richard Hounslow.
Under Morris, Franklin won silver at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, five World Championship golds and six European golds, however, she believes this move will give her a crucial edge in the hunt for more medals. So far at least, those words are proving prophetic.
"I'm delighted to win gold here," said Mallory, after her victory in Krakow.
"It's my first senior final I've made in Krakow which is pretty surreal, but I am really happy with the run that I put down in the final.
“To come away with the win is great."
It was an encouraging event for Great Britain with Chris Bowers also winning gold in the men's extreme slalom with Joe Clarke following Saturday's silver in the canoe slalom by taking bronze.