Paddling power couple Hank and Pippa McGregor bring home gold from Portugal

North Coast canoe legends Hank and Pippa McGregor again proved a formidable team, winning their only event as a duo at the last week’s ICF Canoe Marathon Masters World Championships.

The husband and wife paddlers raced together on the final day of the masters (over 35) event, which preceded the main world championships held in Ponte de Lima, Portugal.

Facing off against 25 teams from six countries last Tuesday, the McGregors worked in sync as only a real-life couple could, providing imperious paddling on their way to the top of the podium.

They finished in 1:11.13, a full 39 seconds ahead of the Portuguese team in second and 47 seconds in front of the Spanish team in third.

It was Pippa’s second piece of silverware at the event after she grabbed second in the K1 35-39 event a few days prior.

Both McGregors were back in action in the main event as well, but despite strong paddling throughout could not secure another medal haul.

Hank was just 66 split seconds shy of bronze in the K1 men’s short course race last Thursday after easing through the qualifying race.

As one of the 20 finalists from 11 countries, he still showed his ability to compete among the truly elite of world paddling.

His time of 13:09.26 was good enough for fourth, behind Spaniard Ivan Alonso who finished achingly close in 13:08.60.

Pippa was back for the women’s K2 final on Sunday, finishing ninth out of 17 with partner Jenna Nisbet.

Hank closed the event with the men’s K2 final, also on Sunday, where he and partner Jasper Mocke claimed seventh spot out of 23 teams.

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