Young Parktown paddler makes waves in South African kayaking

Parktown High School for Girls’ Keara Little made waves at the Gauteng Kayak Sprint Championship on February 1 at Victoria Lake Canoeing Club in Germiston. She competed in the U23 category for the first time, taking on the 5km, 500m, and 200m races, finishing 4th in the gruelling 5km, and securing 5th in both the 500m and 200m sprints.

Read more: Parktown High paddlers paddle their hearts out at championship

While the results are impressive, Keara’s journey to this level of competition is a testament to dedication, resilience, and passion. Her love for the sport began when she saw kayaking as an exciting new challenge offered at her school. “I love watching my boat cut through the water like a knife through butter. It never loses its novelty.”

As a matriculant, she struggles to balance academics, social life, and intense training. “Getting good marks is just as important as doing well in my races,” she said. Her training schedule is rigorous, with paddling sessions almost every day of the week. Despite the demands, she remains focused and disciplined. “I’ve learned to maximise my time in class, and ask questions because there’s no room for procrastination.”

Competing in the U23 category for the first time was thrilling and intimidating. “Many of these paddlers have been in U23 for as long as I’ve been kayaking,” she admitted. Her approach was strategic – Saving energy in the 5km race while still pushing herself, learning from her mistakes in the 500m, and embracing the high-intensity adrenaline of the 200m sprint. “I had a good time, even though a small wobble cost me valuable seconds,” she reflected. “But now, I know I can push harder and go further.”

Also read: Parktown Girls learner paddles to victory and secures Gauteng spot

One of her biggest takeaways from this championship is mental resilience. “You can’t let previous races impact your mindset for the next one, or you will lose sight of your goal. Use setbacks as motivation, but don’t let them define your career.” Her philosophy is simple but powerful – Progress isn’t always linear, and setbacks are just stepping stones toward greater victories.

Keara credits her support system, including family, friends, and Olympic silver medalist and world champion, coach Attila Adrovicz, for keeping her motivated. “My coach pushes us beyond our limits because he wants us to succeed,” she said. But she also acknowledges her determination. “At the end of the day, I am my biggest supporter. I’m the one who gets back up, stays through the rough mornings, and keeps going.”

With her sights set on a long and fulfilling career in kayaking, Keara dreams of competing at higher levels. “Esti Olivier and Helen Jansen van Vuuren are incredible athletes. One day, I’d love to race at their level,” she said. With her unwavering dedication, that day may come sooner than she thinks. For now, Keara continues to paddle forward – One stroke, one race, and one dream at a time.

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Related article: Rosebank resident paddles his way to victory at the Lowveld Croc Canoe Marathon