Lockdown makes Birkett hungrier for title
Defending champion Andy Birkett has said the ongoing lockdown has made him hungrier to get into Dusi racing than he has felt for many years.
THE elite men’s singles field that will gather at Camps Drift for the start of the MyLife Dusi Canoe Marathon on 18 February should be wary of defending champion Andy Birkett, as he said the ongoing lockdown has made him hungrier to get into Dusi racing than he has felt for many years.
“There is no substitution for racing, and we have all been forced into our bubbles without any racing for most of the year. Racing makes you tough and brings out the best in you. Now that we have major races like the Dusi in sight, I am excited and I am enjoying my training more than I have been for a long time,” said Birkett.
Birkett said that Dusi training far from KwaZulu-Natal had proven to be easy for him.
“I started my training after the SA Marathon Champs in St Francis,” explained Birkett.
“I haven’t been enjoying my training as much as I am right now for many years,” he said.
Birkett said that while the lockdown had been frustrating for every athlete, whether elite or recreational, it had effectively forced them to take a prolonged break, which has left his refreshed and hungry for competition.
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“I have really been missing racing,” said Birkett.
“I am refreshed and excited and I don’t have to worry about my iron being low, so I am really enjoying my training. Having fun in training is so important. Last year training with (his winning K2 partner) Khumbulani (Nzimande) was just that – really good fun. The minute training and racing stops being fun I promise I will stop,” he added.
He said the buzz around Drak and Dusi is so positive and he has seen there have been good rains and it looks like we are heading into a wet summer season with full rivers, which hasn’t happened for a long time.
“I can’t wait!” he added, ominously for the elite men hoping to get in the way of him scooping an 11th Dusi title.
The 2021 MyLife Dusi Canoe Marathon takes place from 18 to 20 February.
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