Local paddlers Michael Stewart and Pieter Engelbrecht clinched a gold medal in the masters men’s K2 race at the International Canoe Federation (ICF) Canoe Marathon Masters World Championships.

The event took place in Metkovic, Croatia from September 19 to 22.

The East Rand Kayaking (ERK) members beat New Zealand duo Garth Spencer and Vaughn Reed by 36.80 seconds after finishing the five-lap course, which included four portages and one small lap, in 01:20:08 for the victory.

Spencer and Reed clocked 01:20:45 for the silver and Jason Ekstand and Richard Lowe ensured SA dominated the podium when they clinched the bronze in 01:21:27.

SA, represented by 30 athletes, finished second behind Spain with 18 medals (nine gold, four silver and five bronze) with a strong showing in both the K1 and K2 events.

K1

Three-time Olympian Bridgitte led the way with an incredible performance to win the women’s (40-44) event in 01:14:11 while Dusi Canoe Marathon legend Pippa McGregor grabbed a silver in the women’s (35-39) race.

Dabulamanzi Canoe Club’s Graham Monteith won gold in the men’s (65-69) race while Theo Smit completed the top three in the same race. Monteith’s Dabulamanzi teammate Michael-john Robb was second in his category.

Riccardo Televi added another silver in the men’s (55-59) race.

K2

Mark Garden and Matthew Ballenden grabbed a bronze in their event while Linton Hope teamed up with Brunce Wenke to win the men’s (65-69) race.

The teams of Nigel Briggs and Peter O’Connor, Robb and Robert Crichton and Televi and Lajos Gyokos as well as Bradley Fisher and Gustav Radloff won golds in their events.

Televi and Hartley joined hands to win the mix’s 35-39 race while Alex Roberts and Hein van Rooyen won a silver in the men’s 40-44 event.

Gauteng Canoe Union (GCU) PRO Jennie Dallas congratulated the team for making SA proud.