Canoeist represents SA in Croatia for championships
This year, Dreyer teamed up with Tyde Malherbe from the Eastern Cape to compete in the K2 (Double Kayak) category.
The World Marathon Championships were held in Metkovic, Croatia, from September 19 to 22, where Theo Dreyer from Victoria Lake Canoe Club represented South Africa.
Currently a matric student, Dreyer has been selected multiple times in recent years to compete for the national team in various international competitions.
This year, Dreyer teamed up with Tyde Malherbe from the Eastern Cape to compete in the K2 (Double Kayak) category.
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The duo completed the race in an impressive time of 1 hour and 38 minutes.
To earn their spot on the team, paddlers like Dreyer underwent a rigorous selection process, which involved participating in local provincial selection races leading to annual national trials.
These trials determine the teams that will represent South Africa at international events across various disciplines, including sprints—short, fast Olympic-style races—and marathons, which are long-distance races featuring portages.
During these portages, paddlers must skillfully lift their boats out of the water and run a short distance before re-entering the water to continue their race.
Dreyer’s participation in the World Marathon Championships underscores his dedication to the sport and highlights South Africa’s emerging talent in canoeing.
