Overview

• Funk’s original paddle broke in training in Australia and was described as irreparably damaged.
• Her father built a customized replacement that the team’s press spokesperson carried from Dresden for delivery to Australia.
• The Frankfurt–Singapore flight turned back via Baku due to a mechanical issue, and the special baggage went missing during the subsequent rebookings in Frankfurt.
• Singapore Airlines declined a loss report because the first flight was operated by Lufthansa, and Lufthansa could not be reached before the new check-in.
• Funk has trained on the Penrith course for two weeks and has a spare on site, though the missing custom paddle is viewed as a risk to her medal prospects for Sept 29–Oct 4.