JON Schofield might have eased into today’s K2 200m final, but the kayaker had some more bad news for his rivals – insisting he was only just getting started.
The Sawley 27-year-old took to the Eton Dorney water alongside partner Liam Heath for their Games debut, but didn’t seem overawed by the occasion, far from it.
The duo kicked things off with a second-place finish in their heat with a time of 33.364 seconds, before bringing that down to 32.940 in ending up in the same place in their semi-final.
However Schofield and Heath will have one eye on the Russian duo as they were the ones who twice beat them to the finish line.
But Schofield isn’t about to hit the panic button, adamant that he and Heath have plenty more to give themselves.
“We had two solid races, neither of them were particularly amazing so I think there is still plenty we can improve on for the final,” he said.
“We gave the Russians too much at the start in the semi-final so we want to make sure we push them a lot harder at the start of the final.
“They are definitely a target but everyone on a race day is a potential winner because everyone has good days and bad days.
“A slight change in the breeze or a slight stroke change can make all the difference so we will just go out there and focus on ourselves.
“We are in the final so everything is to play for and we are obviously going for a medal so we will go out guns blazing.
“We are quietly confident but we still just need to take it one race at a time.”
While the Games started at the end of last month, Schofield and Heath had to wait until day 14 to make their London 2012 bow.
But after admitting it was well worth the wait, Schofield is now turning his attentions to giving the home support plenty to shout about in the final.
“The crowd was absolutely incredible,” he added. “The noise they make is really uplifting and they really support you.
“It has already been a once in a lifetime experience to have that kind of support and hopefully we can give them something to cheer.”
* Lloyds TSB, proud supporter of Team GB and proud partner of the London 2012 Olympic Games. Get closer to the Games at lloydstsb.com/london2012.
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