Canoeist Franklin proud of competing despite challenges

Mallory Franklin was unable to medal like in Tokyo - but was proud at her resilience

World champion Mallory Franklin said she was proud of her determination despite finishing last in her canoe slalom singles final at the Paris Olympics.

The 30-year-old, from Windsor, Berkshire, has faced personal difficulties, including the death of her father five weeks ago.

She won a silver medal at the Tokyo Games and is the reigning world C1 champion but picked up 56 seconds' of penalties on the whitewater course on Wednesday.

“I’m pretty pleased how I kept fighting…I’m pretty pleased to have been sat on that start line and given it my all,” she said.

“There were personal things going on so it’s been really hard and Elena Lilik [who eventually won a silver medal for Germany] dropping the run she did before I went [made it] quite hard to refocus – but I think I did alright," she added.

“It’s a really tough sport in that way. When things don’t fall your way they can start snowballing a bit.

"It was a bit of a shame I didn’t manage to keep it together but I am proud of being able to sit at that start line and just go out and try my best."

Ciaran Edwards was proud of how his wife battled

Her husband, Ciaran Edwards, said he remained “very proud of her going out there and doing her best” despite the challenges.

“She chose to change coach after the last Olympics and obviously that comes with its challenges and had a number of injuries as well. Losing her dad was obviously tough.

"It was remarkable to get on the start line and put her best foot forward, really,” he said.

“She’s really done her best and that is all you can expect. She works tirelessly every day and I'm sure she'll keep doing so.”

Franklin was crowned champion at her home ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships at Lee Valley in September.