Walsh confirmed in slalom squad

Athens silver medallist Campbell Walsh has been confirmed in Britain's Olympic slalom squad for Beijing, along with Fiona Pennie and David Florence.

The Scottish trio booked their places in April trials but the selections were not rubber-stamped until Wednesday.

Walsh, who held off Andrew Hadfield to reach his second Games, said: "It's a second opportunity for me to get gold."

Team leader John Anderson said: "British canoeing has a strong team with a real chance of winning medals"

Walsh, 30, came out on top in men's K1 in the second selection trial in Nottingham after Hadfield, his only competitor after the first selection weekend in the Netherlands, fell away on his second run.

BBC OLYMPICS BLOG
"Campbell has been pushed far more than he has in the past, and he has to be our best gold medal hope"
Helen Reeves
Athens bronze medallist

A week earlier, 2006 World Championship silver medallist Pennie secured her women's K1 place by winning her second race at the Zoetermeer course.

"I am looking forward to taking part in the biggest sporting event in the world," she said.

Meanwhile, Florence won a battle with Stuart McIntosh to claim the C1 Olympic place.

"Competing in the Olympics has been a long-term and major ambition of mine," he said. "It is truly the highlight of my sporting career."

RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
Campbell Walsh profile from the BOA
Olympic schedule from the BOA
British Canoe Union
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