Ana Sátila wins gold in the canoeing slalom World Cup in La Seu d'Urgell

Brazilian Ana Sátila secured the gold medal by winning this Saturday (12) the C1 (individual canoe) final of the last stage of the canoeing slalom World Cup in La Seu d’Urgell (Spain). The 30-year-old from Minas Gerais completed the race in 103.85, leaving behind Spain's Miren Lazkano (104.55), who took silver, and Czech Tereza Kneblova (104.64), bronze medalist.

This was the Brazilian's first medal of the season. The podium counts points in the qualifying ranking for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Sátila faces a complicated year, after the loss of her father in March. The canoeist had the support of her family in the stands of La Seu d’Urgell, the most important stage of the season, second only to the World Cup.

"I'm very happy, it's a dream for me. My mother is here today, watching me, and it's the best day I could have to share this victory with her, with my family, my companions and with everyone", said the canoeist, who will compete again at 8:30 am (Brasília time) this Sunday (13) in the K1 final.

"I hope to be in Los Angeles. I had a difficult start with the World Cup this year, I was disqualified and then I had a penalty in the semi-final. I try to keep smiling, keep happy and do what I like most, which is to enjoy the moment and enjoy what I do", he added to the Minas Gerais native, referring to the competition held in July this year.

On that occasion, Sátila was left out of the final of the K1 (individual kayak) of the World Championship, although he qualified in fifth place in the semi. The disqualification occurred due to the weight of the vessel. Afterwards, the Brazilian did not advance to the C1 final, taking a 50s penalty in the semi and finishing in 28th position.