Fitzsimmons Fourth in First Final

NSWIS paddler Riley Fitzsimmons has fallen just short of a medal at his first Olympics after the Australian K4 1000m crew finished fourth in the final.

Fitzsimmons and crewmates of Ken Wallace, Jacob Clear, Riley and Jordan Wood were taking water off the third placed Czech Republic over the closing stages but fell just short of claiming the bronze.

In a race dominated by the powerful German team, the Australians missed the podium by just by 1.533 seconds.

After winning their semi-final a day earlier, the Australians were met with a strong headwind in the medal race and dropped back to sixth from the start.

Despite fielding three new members, it saw Australia relinquish the title they claimed in London four years ago.

“It’s ignited the passion to continue, being at the Games and with the likes of Ken and Jake mentoring us, it’s made it an even better first experience,” Fitzsimmons said.

“Our passion is kayaking and we do this sport because we love it and we’re going to come back stronger.”