Haw sisters, Birkett and Nzimande triumph
After a tough three days of paddling, the 2020 Dusi Canoe Marathon came to a gripping end.
PHOTO: Supplied
THE 2020 Dusi Canoe Marathon came to a thrilling end at Blue Lagoon on Saturday as Andy Birkett won his 10th title alongside his paddling partner and first-time winner, Khumbulani Nzimande, while Tamika and Bianca Haw coasted to a maiden title.
Both crews started the third and final day with solid leads in their respective races as 36km stood between them and victory.
“It’s been such an incredible journey with Khumbulani. He was so strong and I think he got fitter as the days went on!” said Andy.
A first Dusi title for the 24-year-old, Khumbulani said the win was more than he could have dreamed of.
“I am so, so happy I am completely lost for words. It’s been an amazing experience. Over the last months I have learnt so much from Andy and have changed so much.”
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The ladies race saw the Haw sisters, Tamika and Bianca, maintain their significant lead in the race on a mistake-free day into Durban and a first title for the Southern Drakensberg sisters.
Bianca, who was in the front of the boat, was ecstatic that they achieved their goal of an overall win.
“It still hasn’t quite sunk in yet that we won!” she said. “We wanted to win the race but we wanted to enjoy it, and we did.”
In the age group tussles, the U23 men’s crown went to Thabani Msia and Mvelo Ngidi, who led the race from start to finish while Christie Mackenzie and Cana Peek dominated the women’s U23 category.
Dusi Duke Martin Dreyer and his wife Jeannie were the strongest mixed doubles pair over the three days.
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