Kayaker advances to semifinals

By MARIBEL VILLALVA

Gannett News Service

ATHENS - American slalom kayaker Rebecca Giddens made maneuvering her boat through raging waters and strategically-placed gates look easy Tuesday at the start of the Women's K-1 slalom whitewater competition during the 2004 Summer Olympics.

After the second heat, Giddens' combined time of 224.94 seconds placed fifth overall. She will advance to the semifinals Wednesday at the Olympic Canoe/Kayak Slalom Center at the Helliniko Sports Complex.

But the confidence she demonstrates in the water is less apparent in Giddens' humble demeanor on land.

``I won't say that I'm confident I'll win a medal,'' Giddens said after her first heat, where she placed third behind Germany's Jennifer Bongardt and Slovakia's Elena Kaliska. ``I still have to make up some time in my second heat.''

Giddens placed seventh four years ago at the Sydney Olympics but said she is more mentally prepared now.

``I knew what to expect this time around,'' she said.

Her coach and husband, Eric Giddens, said his wife had only minor errors Tuesday.

``It's hard for me to watch her compete because so many things are out of my control, but at the same time, we have a great relationship,'' he said. ``We know each other inside and out.''

David Yarborough, executive director of the United States Association of Canoe/Kayak, was pleased with Giddens' performance.

``Rebecca is under a lot of pressure to win a medal, but she came through beautifully,'' Yarborough said. ``She is always so strong, and she showed a lot of confidence out there.''

The men's C-1 whitewater slalom also started Tuesday. American Chris Ennis Jr. finished last out of 16 competitors after his boat flipped in the first heat.

Ennis said he'd love to see his friend Giddens win the gold.

``Rebecca is a phenomenal athlete, and this is her race,'' Ennis said. ``Mentally, she's strong and that will help.''

She now lives in San Diego but grew up in Green Bay, Wis., where her family still lives. Her parents were able to make trip to Athens, but her brother stayed behind to open his second restaurant in the Green Bay area.

Giddens said she knows a lot of her friends are keeping a close eye on her during the Olympics.

``When I was growing up, I missed all the fun times because I was always training,'' she said. ``A lot of people in this sport don't have a lot of friends outside of slalom. But I'm lucky, all my friends from back home stuck around, and they always supported me.''