Fifth place for canoeing star Michael Gordema
Michael Goredema from Krugersdorp is hopeful to make the Gauteng team and ultimately represent his country soon.
The Gauteng Canoe Union (GCU) recently hosted a series of marathon races at various clubs, providing training opportunities leading up to the GCU Marathon Championships.
This is where the provincial team would be identified to represent the province at the South African Marathon Championships event and ultimately then represent the country at international races for the rest of 2024.
According to GCU spokesperson Jennie Dallas, they are the second largest in terms of registered paddlers and host a thriving long-distance season, much of which is based on the many excellent training dams in the greater Gauteng area. In 2002, Gauteng and Northern Gauteng merged to form a single Union, known as the GCU.
Florida Lake Canoe Club (FLCC) hosted the fifth race in the series on 25 May, including a “guppy” race, a short 10km dash as well as a 20km tough race. Portages were required on each of the races where paddlers had to demonstrate how to get out of the water efficiently, run with boats a short distance or walk, and put back in without falling into the water – a requirement of international marathon racing.
“A short dash race also took place for all ages over 12 years, is 10km long with two portages, and the 20km race is for the more serious fitter paddlers which included four portages. Gauteng team selection will be hosted at Roodeplaat Dam on June 1 and the national championships will also take place at Roodeplaat from June 14 to 16.”
Jennie added that the winner of the FLCC race was Clinton Cook followed by Luke Salmon and Robert Crighton. The women’s top finishers were Caitlyn Odell from Tuks University (she was also the eight U23 participant) followed by Jessica Lee.
Ruoxi Hao was the first finisher in the U12 race in a quick time of 20 minutes and 41 seconds with Sowetan Phamna Mpambani in second and brothers Cayden and Asher Wilson finishing third and fourth place respectively as the first U10 and fourth-placed U12 participants.
Michael Goredema from Krugersdorp completed the 10km dash race in fifth place in a time of 01:02.
He, along with other talented canoeists, are now looking forward to the upcoming provincial and national championship events.
