Randburg-based paddlers shine at the sprint championships

Several Randburg-based paddlers participated in the South African Canoeing Sprint Championships that took place at Germiston Lake, hosted by the Victoria Lake Canoe Club.

The sprint championships offered the opportunity for selection for the teams that will represent South Africa at upcoming international events, including the Olympic team selection.

It also doubles as the Gauteng Schools League and school-going paddlers who participate in races earn points which are credited to the school they represent and certificates for the juniors to present to their schools at the end of the school year.

The races are for all ages from U 8 through to great grandmasters, and the distances included 200m, 500m, 1000m and long distance 5000m races – K1 (Single Kayak) as well as K2 (Double Kayak) race – short, fast and highly technical and provides the opportunity for all paddlers to prepare for and towards eventual international and Olympic racing.

Among the Randburg paddlers was 14-year-old Blaigowrie-based Daniel van Eeden from Hoerskool Randburg who once again achieved well in his age category. He achieved first place in the U16 boys 500m race Heat 2, with partner Josh Worthmann and second place in the semi-final event among a variety of races in singles and doubles in his age group.

St Stithians’ siblings Aara Mariam and Aayan Judy train at Dabulamanzi Canoe Club both excelled with Aara Mariam winning gold medals in 2000m, 1000m and 500m events, while her brother Aayan finished first in the U8 category and carried home gold medals for the 200m, 500m, 1000m and 2000m events.

Angelo Hojem from St Davids Marist College paddled in various races reaching the semi-finals in both K1 and K2 (Single and double kayaks) in the U 14 age category, while his younger brother Alessandro, made it to the finals in the U12 category.

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Local paddlers perform superbly on a big stage