The day has finally arrived when a woman has topped a man’s score in whitewater paddling. Claire O’Hara (GBR) scored 1950 in the women’s squirt class at the International Canoe Federation Freestyle Kayak World Championship prelims held here today. The top score in the men’s division was Jamie Austen, also of Great Britain, with 1766, nearly 200 points less than O’Hara.

O’Hara, the defending women’s world squirt champ, was understandably pleased with the day’s results which included finishing in third place in the women’s kayak division (K1W), behind reigning World Champ Emily Jackson and 2007 World Champ Ruth Gordon Ebens. “I’m thrilled,” O’Hara said noting she still has to focus on winning the next rounds in both divisions.

Advancing with O’Hara to the final round is Motoko Ishida (JPN), Islay Crosbie (GBR), Devon Barker (USA) and Lou Turner (GBR).

US men made big inroads to the traditional British stronghold on squirt. Three of the top five finalists are American including Colin Kemp, Jeremy Laucks and Dane Jackson, competing in the second of four events for which he’s qualified here at these Worlds. Joining Austen and the Americans in the men’s final is Austen’s teammate Seth Ashworth (GBR).