Local newsLocal sportNewsSport

Salt Rock canoeist conquers the world

World champ Salt Rock canoeist Hank McGregor has done it again.

Salt Rock canoeist Hank McGregor won his third world canoe marathon championship at the ICF International Canoe Federation World Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark.

McGregor, who won the title in 2003 in Spain and 2011 in Singapore, took on past and current world champions to win on Saturday, September 21.
“This one was special. I had my wife and my father watching so it was fantastic. It really was a top class field with past world champions all over the course,” said McGregor.
The 31 kilometre race consisted of seven laps around a four kilometre course including a 300 metre portage each lap.
McGregor believes the race is not all about endurance.
“It is a tactical race and you have to be alert and aware with so many competitors around you.”
The world champ was happy with the conditions on race-day and believes the “flat conditions” evened out the playing field as there was no luck  involved.
Most of the competitors in the race are fully professional, which makes McGregor’s achievement all the more special. Living in Dunkirk estate, he works a nine-to-five job and has to make time to train.
“I train in the morning in Salt Rock and go to the Kingfisher canoe club in Durban in the evenings.”
The Salt Rock resident also spends a lot of time canoeing on the sea.
“Sea training makes you physically stronger and the conditions force you to work hard and be alert all the time, which really helps in competitions.”
McGregor barely has time to enjoy his success, as he will compete with his partner Grant van der Walt when they defend their title at the Fish River canoe marathon this weekend.

At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here.
Back to top button