Victoria Lake paddlers show off skills at sprint championship
The competition, known for its speed and technical demands, drew paddlers from the Victoria Lake Canoeing (VLC) club in impressive numbers.
Victoria Lake became the hub of exhilarating canoeing action as it hosted the South African Canoeing Sprint Championships from March 23 to 25.
This prestigious event provided a platform for intense competition. It also served as a crucial stage for team selection to represent South Africa in upcoming international events, including the highly anticipated Olympic Games.
Athletes of all ages, ranging from U8 to Great Grand Masters, showcased their prowess in races spanning distances of 200m, 500m, 1000m, and the gruelling 5000m endurance challenge.
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The competition, known for its speed and technical demands, drew paddlers from the Victoria Lake Canoeing (VLC) club in impressive numbers.
Among the standout performers was Awesome Mhako, the youngest male paddler from VLC, who fearlessly competed in multiple events.
Not far behind was Ntando Ndlovu, who demonstrated remarkable skill by reaching the finals in all U16 events.
Bokamoso Mhako’s stellar performance in the heats secured him a spot in the finals, where he excelled alongside his fellow paddlers in the doubles races.
Despite facing challenges, such as Ethan Sanoke’s unexpected swim moments before crossing the finish line in the 200m final, VLC paddlers persevered with determination.
Theo Dreyer shone brightly in the U18 category, clinching top honours in various races including the K2, 1km, 500m, and 200m, while securing a commendable second place in the 5km event.
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In the women’s division, Helen Jansen van Vuuren displayed remarkable prowess in the U23 races, securing top positions across multiple distances, including a notable first place in the K2 500m event.
The coaching prowess of Loveday Zondi, primarily a river paddler, was evident as he not only guided young talents but also showcased his skills, clinching gold in the 1000m race and silver in the K1 500m and K2 500m events.
