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Australia’s Kim Crow has had a dominating season, often winning with an open water lead. Crow has been so much in control that she had been able to break away in the first 500m. Today Crow, the 2014 silver medallist, took on Olympic Champion Mirka Knapkova of the Czech Republic. There was also the ever improving Jungli Duan of China. As expected Crow got away quickly with Duan the closest challenger. Duan took bronze at last year’s World Championships and she remained in second through the middle of the race.

Meanwhile the 2015 European Champion, Knapkova was a bit back in third. Crow now did what has been customary and pushed away from her competitors with Knapkova pacing Duan. The final sprint was not much of a sprint with Crow, on 31, looking like she just wanted to hold on to first. Knapkova, on 33, pushed past Duan, who was unreactive. Genevra Stone of the United States put on a sprint, but it was too late to get into a medal spot.

Results: AUS, CZE, CHN, USA, SUI, CAN

Kim Crow – AUS – gold  
“It feels really special. I had a fun year, I got engaged and to be World Champion makes it really great. Today was about staying calm and executing my race plan.”

Mirka Knapkova – CZE – silver  
“I am very happy as last year I was in the B-final. I hoped for a medal, but to have it feels great. This year I changed my training and it seems to be successful.”

Jingli Duan – CHN – bronze  
“It was very close, I wanted to do everything I had to pass the finish line. I am very happy and there is still a lot to improve for next year.”