Chinese Wang Bing, finishing third in Thursday's semifinal of men's C1 500m, booked a berth in Saturday's final, the very first for China's canoeing in this event of Olympic regatta while Li Ting also made in to the final of women's K1 500m on an Olympic stage.
26-year-old Wang, champion of men's C2 500m and men's C2 1,000min Busan Asian Games, came out in 1:51.649 and went into the final.
Wang said, "I made it. That's incredible and I never imagined it."
Wang did make history for China's canoeing as no Chinese canoeman has ever reached the final in this event in the Olympic Games.
Liu Aijie, deputy leader of Chinese canoeing team, said, "As the third best canoeman of China, Wang really did a good job, which proved that we made achievements after years' scientific training."
As assistant to Liu, Yuan Shoulong remarked that China canoeing team had made a great step further as 6 Chinese boats out of 9 qualifying for the Games went to the final, which was never seen before.
Li Ting, 19, cried over her qualification for the final. She said, "I never expected it and I just took the semi as a final. That's it."
Placed fourth in 2003 Championships in women's K4 500m, Li also made a record as no one in Chinese canoeing history has ever secured a final ticket in women's K1 500m in the Olympics.
She said, "I will put on a better fight in the final. Trust me."
Shi Yan, head coach of China canoeing team, said, "Li's performance was beyond my expectation. She's great. I wish her more success."
(Xinhua News Agency August 26, 2004)
