UMDLOTI resident Saskia Hockly claimed silver in the U23 women’s race at this month’s ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships in La Vila Joiosa, Spain.

Hockly was part of a team of 20 athletes representing SA. Overall SA topped the medal table with six gold medals and also won the points-based Nations Cup ahead of Australia.

The two-time Junior title holder, a two-time bronze medalist in the U23 category, and the 2025 mixed doubles world champion, was in a successful national team that dominated in the juniors.

Also read: Hockly wins U23 silver as SA team shine at world champs

Going into the race the 21-year-old was nursing a shoulder injury and her determination saw her push past the pain to claim her first silver medal at the world champs in the U23 category.

“I was very happy with this year’s results. I haven’t really been in the ocean much due to the surf being unplayable this winter. It was quite tough to get anything done in the ocean and I had mainly been flatwater training with Hamish Lovemore and Clint Cook on Dudley Pringle Dam. That flatwater training came into play because the conditions in Spain were quite flat,” she said.

“It has been hard to train and work full-time even though my job has been super understanding. I went into this world champs with an injured shoulder and I actually pulled out of the K2 race. During the race I really had to push hard and I vomited twice during the race due to the pain,” she said.

Saskia, who finished ninth overall, was beaten by the UK’s Rosie Edwards in the U23 race while fellow South African Georgia Singe finished third.

Saskia was full of praise for her teammates who dominated across all formats.

Also read: Durban North bodyboarders bring home the gold at SA champs

“Sursfki is growing as a sport and Europe is getting stronger which makes things more competitive. The SA team were phenomenal and we have a strong group of juniors coming through so there’s only brightness for the sport in the country and on an international stage. I’m excited to be a part of that and I’m looking forward to qualifying for the next world champs in Tahiti next year,” she said.

Next up for Saskia is the Shaw and Partners Western Australia Race Week in November. She will then return to SA to compete in the inter-club event at the Lifesaving World Championships in Gqeberha in the same month.

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