Local canoeist called up for the Olympic Hopes
Daniel van Eeden says he's excited to meet other athletes and coaches from different countries.
After delivering an impeccable performance in the South African Gauteng Canoe Union (GCU) sprint competition at Victoria Lake, a 14-year-old paddler’s dream has come true.
Blairgowrie resident Daniel van Eeden has been chosen to represent South Africa at the Olympic Hopes event in Hungary in September.
He said it was a great honour to be chosen to represent South Africa. “I was the only U15 boy to make the cut with a good few seconds to spare. Olympic Hopes has been a dream of mine ever since I started canoeing, so it is a very special event for me.”
Daniel will only be turning 15 in August so he participated in the U16 categories in the competition. He competed in the 200, 500 and 1 000m events and although he did not place first in any, he was the first U15 boy to finish which gained him his selection.
His coach Atilla Adrovich who trains at Dabulamanzi Canoe Club at Emmarentia Dam, has been instrumental in preparing Daniel physically and mentally for taking part in international competition.
“Up until the end of June, I will be doing 150 to 200km a week in preparation for the SA Marathons and then I will start a heavy-weight gym programme up until August. My starts are still a big area to work on for my sprinting.”
Daniel’s mother Cathleen said they were incredibly proud of his achievements and attest to his determination and passion for his sport.
“He has been good at juggling his schoolwork (he is a Grade 9 learner at Hoerskool Randburg) with his training – he is at the dam six days a week. His teachers have been very understanding and have assisted him to catch up on any work that he may have missed.”
The cost of the trip for Daniel is estimated at between R35 000 to R40 000 which includes the cost of flights, visas, accommodation, team kit, food, and hiring of a canoe as it is too costly to take his own to Hungary.
“We are currently looking for corporate sponsorship to help with covering some of the costs – individuals and companies are all welcome,” added Cathleen.
For more info email churrcathleen@hotmail.com
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