Bloom, competing in the women's Prone 2 division, received 16.34 points at the end of her heat and said she "felt awesome out there".

“I’d be stoked to get a gold medal again, for my country of Australia and for my sons back home.

“The level of competition has grown heaps during this year with record participation of women. 

"The more competitors the better it is for the sport.” 

Bloom will be one of nine athletes defending a world title on the final day of competition tomorrow.

Sixteen world champions will be crowned in total, while one country will also earn team world champion honours.

The United States currently hold that honour, but Brazil - champions in 2016 and 2017 - have had a strong event so far.

Costa Rica’s Henry Martinez produced another of the day's standout performances, advancing to his first final in the men's visually impaired category and guaranteeing himself a medal.

Americans Ethan Kairer and Jeff Munson dominated the Waveski division on its first day of competition, while Denmark's Bruno Hansen ended the day with the top score in the men's Prone 1 division.

After the ISA brought the end of the competition forward because of travel restrictions put in place over the coronavirus pandemic, the finals and a Closing Ceremony are scheduled for tomorrow.