-
Ben Fouhy - Source: Reuters
Former world kayaking champion Ben Fouhy has taken aim at the
national sports funding agency after failing to make the final of
the K1 1000m event at the London Olympics.
Fouhy, who won the silver medal in Athens in 2004, could only
manage sixth in his semi-final to miss the cut for Wednesday's
final.
Only the first four in each semi-final progressed and Fouhy was
11th quickest, more than four seconds slower than fastest qualifier
Canada's Adam van Koeverden in 3min 28.209sec.
Fouhy, 33, let spray after the race, slamming the backing he had
received after claiming the world title in 2003.
"When you win the world title by a boat length in your first
attempt, you set high standards. It stings a little bit to stare
down a barrel and finish your career without reaching your
potential. I know what I'm capable of, I had a world record for
five years and (have) been a world champion.
"I'm disillusioned. I'm disgusted with Sparc (now Sport New
Zealand). I don't mind them making decisions that you don't like
but at least have the courtesy to get on the phone and ring me and
tell me."
The former NZ Sportsman of the Year twice quit the sport, once
after falling out with coach Ian Ferguson and a second time over
the lack of funding, but was convinced to return.
"They spent hours and hours talking to me, trying to get me back in
the boat. I understand it's not all about Ben. I know that and
understand that. I won the world title but spent all my savings and
I was $10,000 in debt.
"We did it on the smell of an oily rag. It's not about that, it's
about trust and the people you have to work with; being able to
believe in them and trust them."
The news was brighter for K2 1000m combination of Steven Ferguson
and Darryl Fitzgerald who booked their place in the final after
finishing third in their semi-final.
With their spot assured, they eased up over the final few metres to
finish behind Sweden and Australia.
They were the sixth fastest of the eight finalists and will race
in lane one.