Paddlers from Fourways and across the country competed at Roodeplaat Dam in Pretoria for the South African Sprint Championships, from March 27 to 29.

Athletes competed for national selection and a chance to qualify for major international events, including the Olympics.

Jennie Dallas, the Gauteng Canoe Union media liaison, said the three-day event hosted by PaddleSport Eastern Cape showcased the intensity and precision of sprint canoeing, widely regarded as the Olympic discipline of the sport.

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“Competitors raced over 1 000m on day one, followed by 500m events on day two, and explosive 200m sprints on the final day. A 5 000m long-distance race also featured on the second day, testing both speed and endurance.”

Among those representing Fourways was Ethan Cockram of Dabulamanzi Canoe Club (Dabs), based at Emmarentia Dam. The club draws paddlers from surrounding suburbs and has produced several internationally recognised athletes.

Cockram, who primarily focuses on marathon and river paddling, embraced the challenge of sprint racing and delivered an encouraging performance.

“My experience was positive. I did a bit better than I thought I would, which is always a great feeling. My highlight from the three days was my overall improvement in the 200m compared to last year.”

Despite his progress, Cockram acknowledged the difficulty of competing in varying sprint distances. “It’s always a challenge because of how different they are from the longer distances I train for; it’s a lot more intense.”

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He added that transitioning from marathon paddling to sprint racing requires a significant adjustment. “The adaptation is definitely a challenge, but it’s something I’m looking forward to improving on.”

Cockram also credited his club and coach for their support. “Dabs plays a huge role in my training, especially my coach, Attila. Having someone with Olympic experience is incredibly valuable, and he’s very supportive.”

Competing against the country’s top paddlers can be daunting, but Cockram sees it as an opportunity for growth. ‘It’s always intimidating being around the best, but it’s a great experience and a chance to measure myself.”

While the sprint championships provided valuable experience, his focus for the season lies elsewhere.

“My goals aren’t based around sprints but more on river racing. I’m aiming for a top 15 finish at the Berg River Canoe Marathon in July.”

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