Battling Jezierski just fails to make the cut for final

Irish canoeist Andrzej Jezierski discovered the truth of that old maxim about a good start being half the battle at Eton Dorney yesterday.

The former Polish world champion came out of retirement when it was confirmed that his favourite event, the C1 200m canoe sprint, was on the London 2012 schedule. Jezierski, who lives in Ballincollig with wife Patricia and son Alex, impressed in yesterday’s morning session when finishing second in his heat in 41.404.

However, he had to be content with fourth in the semi-final (42.012) as he battled back from a sluggish start. The time and placing wasn’t good enough for a spot in this morning’s A final but Jezierski will instead compete in the B decider.

“My start has been my weakest point since I’ve come back [from retirement]. It was my strongest point 10 years ago,” he said.

Jezierski who battled serious back injuries and a subsequently a limited training regime to qualify for these Olympics could have represented Poland in the competition.

But the 31-year-old veteran insisted his future is very much Irish after securing citizenship earlier this year.

“I want to have more than just one year. I hope I will paddle more than just one year.

“Ireland is my new country for me and Patricia and Alex. We like it.”

And he has vowed to do his utmost to make up for yesterday’s disappointment with a speedy performance later today.

“I won’t give up yet because it has been very hard to come back over the last two years.

“I am not too bad but I hope I will be better despite being one of the oldest [in the field]. If I improve my start again I will be faster,” he said.