Paddling youth shine at Roodeplaat Dam

The Trilogy Dash series (TDS), expertly hosted by Esti Olivier at Roodeplaat Dam’s Academy of Canoe Development (ACD), came to a thrilling conclusion last weekend.

The three-race series, which took place over consecutive Saturdays, saw 42 athletes compete for top honours and cash prizes in junior and senior categories.

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Junior category shines

The junior category witnessed intense competition, with new faces emerging on the podium each week.

In race one, Buntu Khuza from Soweto Canoe And Recreation Club (SCARC) U12, Deon Hopley of ACD U12, and Toby Shilajoe from ACD U12 took the top spots.

Shilajoe, competing in his first-ever competition was impressive with his podium finish.

Race two saw Divine Shingange and Linomtha Qumbelo from SCARC U12, and Siphesihle Radebe from SCARC U14 claim the top positions.

Shingange’s victory marked a redemption arc after a strong performance in race one.

The final race saw Toby Shilajoe step onto the top step of the junior podium, followed closely by Juanne Ericksen from ACD U14 and Divine Shingange.

Senior category delivers upsets and thrilling finishes.

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The senior category witnessed unexpected upsets and nail-biting finishes. In race one, Henry van der Walt from ACD senior, Azonwabe Mpehle of SCARC U16, and Martin Moolman from ACD U16 secured the top spots.

Race one saw Alulutho Tyenge from SCARC U16, Gareth Barberton from ACD U23, and Henry van der Walt claim the podium positions.

The final race delivered a stunning upset, with Lesedi Bobo of SCARC U18 pushing the boys to their limits, ultimately claiming the top spot.

Martin Moolman and Owethu Duna secured second and third places.

Overall cash prize winners

After tallying points across the series, the overall cash prize winners were announced:

• U10: Permission Blaai and Amile Mzolo (SCARC), Kwetsima Mayevu (ACD).
• U12: Divine Shingange (SCARC), Toby Shilajoe and Deon Hopley ACD.
• U14: Kyle and Siphesihle Radebe (SCARC), and Lisa Moolman ACD.
• U16: Martin Moolman ACD, Alulutho Tyenge and Azonwabe Mpehle (SCARC)
• U18 and senior: Sikhanyisele Dekeda (SCARC), Henry van der and Gareth Barberton ACD.
Unique handicap system delivers exciting racing
The TDS’s innovative handicap system allowed athletes of all levels to compete for top spots, making for thrilling and unpredictable racing.