BRADLEY Forbes-Cryans relished officially becoming an Olympian and after coming through qualifying unscathed, he believes the unpredictability of canoe slalom could yet lead to greater glory. 

The Edinburgh paddler has been waiting a long time for his Olympic dream to be realised, having first been selected to Team GB’s Tokyo squad – slightly controversially ahead of reigning Olympic champion Joe Clarke – way back in October 2019. 

The year’s delay to the Games only whetted his appetite but Wednesday saw the wait final end and he soaked in every moment as he sat on the start line of the men’s K1 heats. 

The Scot didn’t let himself down, laying down a solid first run of 93.65 seconds, with no time penalties, to qualify for the semi-finals in 13th place – with the top 20 making it through. 

"It felt fantastic to sit on the start line for that first run,” beamed Forbes-Cryans. “I was still really buzzing for the second run, really up for it and I went out there, tried to deliver the little bits of the plan that could have been better in the first run. 

"Unfortunately, halfway down, I missed gate 14 so I had to go back for that but today has just been absolutely fantastic and so memorable for me. I'm just really looking forward to the semi-final for me.  

“Once I did my first run, I thought, 'that's it, I've ticked off the Olympian box' and that felt really good. 

"My family have been waiting a long time, my friends. I wanted to do this for myself but also for everyone that's supported me." 

Friday will see Forbes-Cryans compete in the semi-finals, where 20 canoeists are whittled down to just ten – with the final then being contested later that same day, 

And in a notoriously unpredictable sport, the possibility of putting together a run that launches you on to the Olympic podium is real for almost all the athletes. 

"I set my own goals coming into this event, it's been my first Games and that in itself feels a huge achievement,” he added. 

"Yes, I'd like to build through the rounds. In this sport, it's so on the day. 

"I could have an absolute blinder in the final or I might not even make it. You never know which way it's going to go but I've done everything in my control to be as good as I can be." 

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