Wallace wins gold, bronze medal at Beijing Olympics
Australian Sports Commission
AIS scholarship holder Ken Wallace has won a stunning come-from-behind gold medal in the men's K1 500m kayak at the Beijing Olympics.
It was Australia's first individual kayak gold medal since Clint Robinson's triumph in the K1 1000m in Barcelona.
Wallace has now won two medals in Beijing having earlier claimed bronze in the K1 1000m, becoming the first Australian to win a medal in both kayak events at a single Games.
Wallace said he was over the moon by his performances in Beijing.
‘I’m ecstatic. I was happy getting the bronze in the 1000m but to win gold in the K1 500m is just mind blowing,’ Wallace said.
‘These Olympics have been an amazing experience for me and something I will treasure for the rest of my life.’
‘I have to thank the Australian Institute of Sport for all their support, they’ve been fantastic.’
Australian team official Richard Fox believes Wallace could go on to dominate the sport because he had youth on his side.
‘Who knows what the guy can do, the world is his oyster,’ Fox said.
‘He's won two medals at one Olympics, which is just remarkable.’
‘He's still evolving as a 1000m paddler, I will say he's got some unfinished business in that event and he's only discovered his potential in the 500m.’
AIS Director Professor Peter Fricker was equally as proud and paid tribute to the Wallace’s persistence and determination.
'This result is an outstanding result for Ken, his coach Jimmy Owens and for the AIS canoe flatwater program,' Professor Fricker said
'Ken’s gold and bronze medals are a real testament to his personal commitment to his sport and the training program here at the AIS.’
The Australian Institute of Sport was established in 1981, and has consistently contributed to Australia’s outstanding sporting performance on the world stage.
The Australian Olympic team in Beijing consists of 433 athletes. Of these, there are 262 current or former AIS athletes.
The Australian Sports Commission (ASC), on behalf of the Australian Government, invests in and supports our Olympians and Paralympians in many ways.
In addition to the $18.1 million the ASC provided to the AIS in 2007/08, the ASC also funded the athletes’ sports to the tune of $53.4 million in 2007/08.
Furthermore, the ASC provided direct funding totalling $4.3 million to more than 400 athletes in 2007/08 — vital support for athletes in their preparation for sporting success. This represents a total Australian government investment of $75.8 million in 2007/08 for our Olympians and Paralympians. The ASC is committed to providing all Australians with the best opportunity possible to participate in sport.
Ken Wallace