Germiston High School learner and local paddler Helen Janse van Vuuren competed at the SA Canoe Marathon Championships on October 11 and 12.
Prior to the event, she elected for the Gauteng provincial team based on her performance at the Gauteng Canoe Marathon Championships hosted in September at Germiston Lake.
“I was excited and honoured to represent Gauteng,” said Janse van Vuuren.
“Although I was prepared, I did not know how fit my competition was. I was ready and felt optimistic. I took first place in a time of 2.06:32 for the u-16 girls’ event,” said the paddler.
She said due to the Covid-19 regulations it was harder to keep prepare for competition.
“In level five we could not get on the water, so I did a lot of home-based training. The SA Championships took place in St Francis Bay, Eastern Cape.
“It was very challenging. I learnt a lot from the experience and achieved two fourth places.”
Jennie Dallas, Gauteng Canoe Union public relations officer, added Janse van Vuuren was one of the few juniors to enjoy the opportunity.
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“Marathon Canoe Racing for u-16 and u-18 juniors was an 18km distance, with a few short portages where paddlers jump out their boat and run a short distance, which needs to be a smooth efficient movement or result in loss of time.”
Dallas said Janse van Vuuren is a member of the Victoria Lake Canoe Club.
She finished the K1 race on October 11, in a time of one hour and 53 minutes, and partnered with paddler Caitlin Eliot to finish the K2 doubles race in one hour and 50 minutes.
“The venue and weather were outstandingly beautiful and it was a wonderful opportunity. The event was well supported by South Africans from all provinces, happy to shake off the Covid-19 gloom.”
Janse van Vuuren spoke more about her love for the sport.
“I started canoeing three years ago to get fit for sailing. What I love about the sport is the friendly people as well as the competition because nothing gets handed to you.”
Janse van Vuuren said one of the highlights for her was representing SA in the Olympics Hopes Regatta.
She said the challenge is that not enough girls participate in canoeing locally.
“Young girls can start canoeing at the age of seven years.”
Her advice to young girls who want to win canoeing competitions was to enjoy the sport and never give up.
“They should work hard because their time will come.”
Janse van Vuuren said her source of motivation is from wanting to be the best.
She dreams to make the Olympics.
To view pictures of the SA Championships visit the Gauteng Canoe Union Facebook page.
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