Fourways paddler on top of his game

Matthew Ballenden, a resident in the Fourways area and member of the Dabulamanzi Canoe Club, enjoyed his races at the SA Sprint Championships – a highly prestigious event attracting top paddlers throughout South Africa. It was the selection event for upcoming races in the International Canoeing Federation series of races and includes the Olympic qualifications.

The competition took place at Germiston Lake, hosted by the Victoria Lake Canoe Club from March 23- 25.

Numerous schools whose pupils participate in the Schools Canoeing League have also taken part in the event to earn points for their school and to gain experience for future international racing.

Ballenden, was on top of his race and achieved great results which placed him third in the master age category in the 500m, as well as the 5 000m races.

Nkosi Mzolo from Soweto was his partner who took the third place in the 500m K2 final, with a second place position in the 1 000m final race and a first place position in the 1 000m K2 final.

The sprint championships offered the opportunity for selection of the teams to represent South Africa at upcoming international events, including the Olympic games.

This also doubles as the Gauteng Schools League which will see school-going paddlers who participate in races earn points that are credited to the school they represent, and for certificates for the juniors to present to their schools at the end of the year.

The races are for all ages from U8 through to Great Grand Masters. The distances include 200m, 500m, 1 000m and long distance 5 000m races – K1 (Single Kayak) as well as K2 Double Kayak, the short, fast and highly technical and provides the opportunity for all paddlers to prepare for and towards eventual international and Olympic racing.

There were many top achievers, including the strong paddling team from St Davids Marist College where Jordan Klopper who trains at Emmarentia Dam achieved three gold medals.

He came 1st place in 200m, 500m, and 1 000m K1 races which will contribute to his selection to an international team to represent South Africa once again. Fingers are also crossed for him to participate in the World Champs U23, in Bulgaria in July.

Gunther Grune, was 2nd place finisher in the Grant Master age category in the 500m final race, and 2nd in the Grant Master 1 000m final, achieving 1st place in the 200m finals.

Related article: Fourways resident gets involved at Dabulamanzi Canoe Club