Michael rows the boat ashore … fast!
'He is not only enjoying the sport and learning all the techniques in such a short space of time but showing obvious signs of becoming a future champion' – Gauteng Canoe Union spokesperson.
Michael Goredema only started canoeing late in 2022 and finished as the third-best U14 paddler and took 12th place overall out of 31 competitors during the Gauteng Canoe Union (GCU) marathon championships held in Benoni earlier in June.
The young paddling star who lives in Krugersdorp but attends Hoërskool Roodepoort finished the 10km event in a staggering time of one hour and 14 minutes.
• Also read: Young paddler a star in the making
The final GCU marathon championship took place at the Ekurhuleni Racing Kayaking Club and consisted of short races for ‘guppies’ as well as 10km and 21km long distance races – both of which included a portage.
GCU spokesperson Jennie Dallas explained, “Sprints are short fast races of 200m, 500m, 1 000m and 5 000m while marathons are long distances namely the 10km or 21km. Here, paddlers are required to demonstrate their ability to take their boat out of the water, run/ walk a short distance and carry it to successfully and smoothly get back into the water without slipping in, dropping the boat, etc. This is an international requirement for marathon racing.”
About his impressive performance, Jennie added, “Michael has competed in the South African sprint championships in April as well as the GCU championships all within just six months of starting to learn canoeing.
He is not only enjoying the sport and learning all the techniques in such a short space of time but showing obvious signs of becoming a future champion.”
