MARTIN Dreyer’s Change a Life Academy raised the bar at the FNB Dusi Canoe Marathon when his charges produced their best ever results at the iconic three-day race.
The squad were set to be a formidable outfit at this year’s Dusi due to the number of strong paddlers who teamed up as well as a few members teaming up with paddlers outside of the squad.
With 22 paddlers from the academy taking part, there was always the chance the group would perform well.
Martin, the team’s founder, was impressed by the results the paddlers achieved.
“This year’s Dusi was the best ever for us, results wise,” an ecstatic Dreyer mentioned.
“Just looking from the top, Sbonelo Khwela, who finished third, was with the academy for seven years and to see him perform so well was a proud moment. Banetse Nkhoesa, who paddled with Ant Stott, the same person I won the Dusi with in 2004, finished fourth overall, another fantastic achievement.
“The current Change a Life Academy paddlers then occupied positions from seven to 11th as well as 14th, 15th, 16th, 19th and 20th overall and finished first to third in the Under 23 age group,” he added.
Prior to the start of the 2018 FNB Dusi, the Change a Life pair touted to perform well were the U23 crew of Mthobisi Cele and Mpilo Zondi.
The duo absorbed the pressure of age group favourites and came out on top.
“To have dominated the U23 category is really encouraging for the academy’s future,” said Martin.
The large team assembled by Dreyer for the iconic race through the Valley of a Thousand Hills were eager to do well in front of their families and friends.
ALSO READ: Fabulous reads – Book takes you beyond the river
The 2018’s Dusi created a scenario that was as-yet unseen by paddlers as the drought ensured that the day three conditions would test paddlers.
Uniquely, this year’s race meant the competitors paddled on a low seven cumec water release during the third stage, compared to a normal 20 to 25 cumecs.
“Day three was going to be technical on that low water and the guys showed great skill on the tricky rapids and ran strongly on the Burma Road portage. Surprisingly, many of them solidified or improved on their positions on the final day,” he explained.
Euro Steel recently partnered with the academy and supported its top athletes with a monthly stipend.
“It’s great for the top guys to get monetary support in the months leading up to the Dusi. I am over the moon with the Change a Life Zulus Dusi performance. Now it’s time to get some rest, reload and do it all over next year. I can’t wait!” said Dreyer with a smile.
Do you want to receive alerts regarding this and other Highway community news via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname (ONLY) to 060 532 5409.
You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Highway Mail WhatsApp number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our ale
