Canadian sprint canoeists Vincent, Jensen advance to Olympic semis in women's single 200m

Sprint canoeists Sophia Jensen and Katie Vincent are advancing to the Olympic semifinals in the women's single 200 metres.

The two Canadians finished first in their respective heats Thursday morning at Vaires-Sur-Marne Nautical Stadium.

Jensen clocked in at 46.80 seconds, followed by Spain's Antia Jacome with 47.35.

Vincent came in at 47.22, with Spain's Maria Corbera just behind at 47.74.

The top two in each heat moved forward directly to Saturday's semifinals, while the rest take part in the quarterfinals later today.

WATCH l Vincent wins her 200m heat to advance:

Jensen, a 22-year-old from Chelsea, Que., was making her Olympic debut and had to overcome some nerves.

"I was super nervous," Jensen said. "I felt like I was going to throw up everywhere, but as soon as the gun went I was like, 'I could do this', and then it all came together.

"It means a lot. I've had a lot of people tell me I can't do this, it feels good to shove it in their face a little bit."

Vincent, of Mississauga, Ont., finished eighth in the event at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, but a lot has changed in three years — on and off the water.

"I think overall I have improved a lot. I think we were in a really tough place as a team in Tokyo," Vincent said. "Off the water we had a lot of stuff going on, so coming into these Olympics we have a lot more positive vibes and positive energy, and we are trying to use that to our advantage.

"We have a new coach now, and he is really smart and is helping us get better every day."

The 29-year-old is also competing in the women's double 500-metre semifinals on Friday with teammate Sloan Mackenzie of Windsor Junction, N.S.

Canada failed to qualify for the final in the women's kayak four 500 on Thursday