Luuka Jones into semifinals, shrugs off crash

Rotorua's Luuka Jones battled through the heats of the women's kayak slalom at the London Olympics early today.

The 23-year-old, one of 21 competitors vying for a top 15 spot to move through to the semifinal, finished tenth on her first run on the man-made course at the Lee Valley White Water Centre and 20th on the second to squeak in.

It is Jones' second Olympics and she had the encouragement of seeing her Waiariki Sports Academy team-mate Mike Dawson also reaching the semifinals in the men's kayak slalom.

Maialen Chourrau of Spain was the top qualifier with 98.75.

Jones averaged out at 109.23 - 10.48 behind.

Jones was glad to get back on the water, having been lucky to escape serious injury after smashing into a barrier when she tumbled out of her boat during a training spill five days ago.

She emerged with grazes and bruises after the mishap and Jones' co-coach Jane Borren said: "It was one little error and she had a bit of a fright. It's not nice.

"But she got back and had three more runs and delivered one of her best runs after that. She got straight back on the horse."

The semifinals and final are on Saturday.