Canoe duo set sights on another victory

The recent success of Abby Solms and Jenna Ward have made the two set their sights on obtaining an Ozzie Gladwin Canoe Marathon presented by Parklane Superspar victory to their recent Umpetha Challenge title.

Solms is set to take on the FNB Dusi Cano Marathon in February with now current partner, Czech Republic international Anna Kožíšková. Ward is tied to U23 K1 Women’s Canoe Marathon World Champion Vanda Kiszli of Hungary.

The KZN duo have formed a temporary partnership in recent times while away from their international counterparts that has proved beneficial for both parties.

Solms explained her jubilance in winning the Umpetha challenge with Ward, “It was nice to win the Umpetha Challenge on the weekend with Jenna (Ward),”“Beforehand I thought things could go either way but she really impressed me, especially with how strong she was on the run,”Ward had equally kind words to share about her KZN partner “It was great paddling with Abby at Umpetha; she’s so good and knows exactly what she’s doing and then to have her pushing me from behind on the run was a big bonus.”

The Ozzie is one of the most prestigious one day canoe events in the country, however it will prove a different challenge this time around as the pair shift from the Msundusi River to Albert Falls Dam and the upper stretches of the Mngeni River.

The 2015 Ozzie Gladwin Canoe Marathon gets underway at 9am on Sunday, 29 November at Albert Falls Dam and finishes 26km later at Thornvale Farm. More info can be found at www.ozziegladwin.co.za