Djeneba Dosso
Sophia Jensen was the first Canadian to take the water on Aug. 8, successfully paddling herself to first place in the women’s C-1 200m. The sprint canoeist from Chelsea, Quebec, won her heat in 46.8 seconds, securing herself a spot at the semifinals.
“Impossible is not an option, I am really thankful to be here,” Jensen said.
The 22-year-old first stepped into a canoe when she was just 10 months old. Jensen was introduced to the sport by her parents, who were park rangers and often took her on canoeing trips across Canada while she was growing up.
The semifinals took place on August 10, where Jensen came out third, finishing the race in 45.66 seconds. The first and second place winners reached the finish line is 45.31 and 45.32 seconds respectively.
The first-time Olympic athlete was still able to qualify for finals where she unfortunately finished in 6th place, leaving the gold medal to Katie Vincent from Mississauga, Ont.
“For my first game, it was awesome,” she said looking back on her experience. “World records were broken, so I feel pretty honoured to be part of such an awesome group of women out there on the course.”
While she did not leave with a medal, Jensen acquired a ride-or-die fanbase. From Thursday to Saturday, little athletes from the Cascade Canoe Club in Chelsea held sleepovers to watch Jensen’s races.
“They are literally the best,” Jensen said after speaking to them. “I’m so thankful to have such an awesome club and community. I hope they all chase their dreams like I’ve been chasing mine.”
Photo caption
Photo #1: First time Olympic athlete Sophia Jensen advanced all the way to the finals in the women’s single 200m race. While she did not win a medal, the sprint canoeist from Chelsea says she was honoured to be C1-A finalist during her first Games. (DD) Photo: Courtesy of Canadian Olympic Committee.