A DURBAN North teenager was part of the history-making Youth Protea fly fishing team that won a bronze medal at the FIPS-Mouche World Youth Fly Fishing Championship in the USA recently.

Griffin Price was one of six team members that saw the country win only its second ever Youth World Fly Fishing Championship team medal.

Incredibly the last time this happened was in 2013, when one of the team members was Matt Gorlei, at the time a Durban North resident.

This time Gorlei was team coach, which made the moment that much more special, explained Price.

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“It was an amazing feeling being part of that history-making, and to have our coach with us and our team manager Chris Tough was extra special. It really means a lot to us as a team. The amount of effort and hours we put in to reach that level and to then eventually have success was something I won’t soon forget. I must say we were very close to coming second, we were one point off Poland who finished second.

“Our team strategy was co-ordinated very well and it wouldn’t have been possible without our coach and manager. I also competed as an individual and although I started out quite well, it got tougher as the competition went on. I eventually came 20th which is pretty good considering the line-up of great talent and this being my first time competing internationally. This championship has served as an invaluable experience for me and has spurred me on to aim to one day make a senior fly fishing team,” he said.

Price added that the youth team were also buoyed by the news that the South African women’s fly fishing team also won bronze in the USA.

In the lead-up to the competition Price tied 1400 flies for the USA trip.

“It was endless hours of making and researching what flies would be best for the championships. It was all worth it in the end,” he said.

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The Clifton College matric learner said his support base was incredible.

“The support we received was overwhelming. My parents were incredible as was the fly fishing community. There was so much support, even the fly shops in SA, including the one in Durban North, were so supportive. I don’t think I would be able to do this without their support and I’m so grateful for it,” he said.

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