Canoeist Michal Martikan says Beijing trumps World Cup

Michal Martikan of Slovakia eyes gold in Beijing (Photo credit: Getty)Photo Gallery>>(BEIJING, July 28) -- Slovakian canoeing star Michal Martikan said on July 27 that he skipped this year's World Cup in order to better concentrate on his training for the Beijing Olympics. He is aiming for the gold medal in the C1 Slalom event this August.

The 29-year-old believes it's impossible to prepare for both the World Cup and the upcoming Olympics.

Martikan grabbed the gold in the 1996 Atlanta Games, but came in second for the silver in 2000 and 2004. The only slalom canoeist to win three Olympic medals, he says it's his dream to win back the gold this time around.

After arriving in Beijing on Saturday, July 26, he immediately began training the following day at the Shunyi Olympic Rowing-Canoeing Park.