Double world gold for McGregor

Salt Rock resident Hank McGregor made history when he became the first South African paddler to win both K1 and K2 gold medals at the ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships on Sunday September 28 in Oklahoma City, USA.

This is McGregor’s fourth K1 world title. He took his time initially, hanging back in third place heading into the final turn before swinging his canoe out to the left and producing a demolishing sprint in the last 200 metres, leaving his closest three rivals in his wake. McGregor, who won by a boat length, had time to stop paddling, salute the crowd on the banks and throw his paddle away in celebration as he crossed the finish line in a time of 2:12:07.157.

“It was a very tactical race. The best paddlers in the world were there and everyone had a good idea of everyone’s strengths and weaknesses. For me it was a case of going around trying to limit the mistakes, conserve energy and wait for when it really counts”, said McGregor.

McGregor said he decided to win on the water and conserve energy on the portages, which worked in his favour as his competitors fatigued on the paddle leg.