Dream come true for Sabina
The Danville Park Girls' High School learner recently competed in the International Canoe Federation's (ICF) Ocean Racing World Championships in Hong Kong.
THERE isn’t a lot that phases Durban North resident, Sabina Lawrie. The Danville Park Girls’ High School matriculant, who was crowned junior world champ (U18) at the International Canoe Federation’s Ocean Racing World Championships in Hong Kong recently, arrived at King Shaka Airport to little fanfare last week just days after winning a world title.
She wasn’t phased when her surfski broke in half at the SA team trials leading up to the world champs nor the fact that she had to write her three final exams just days after winning a major surfski world title.
“It’s been surreal since coming back home, it hasn’t sunk in yet. Not having made the South African team the traditional way made this even sweeter. At the SA trials my surfski snapped and some nice trusting people within the management structures gave me the chance to live my dream despite not finishing the race which was unexpected but awesome,” she explained.
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“This was my first surfski world champs and after taking part in the marathon world champs, it was nice to strike out on my own. Leading up to champs, Jenna Ward, my training partner and I tackled all sorts of conditions. We practiced downwinds, tackled big surf conditions before world champs, however on the day, there was absolutely no wind, it was flatter than a river, so it was a solid grind from start to finish. The competition was extremely tough, I kept trading places with Georgia Sinclair from Australia who pushed me until the end. In the last five kilometres (of the 22 kilometre race) I felt confident I could paddle past her because of all the training I’d done,” she said.
Lawrie was also full of praise for her fellow teammates, coach and family.
“I don’t think I could have done this without my coach, Lee McGregor, and my family. There were fully behind me supporting me all the way. Even my teammates, most of whom are world medallists, knowing I could draw on their experience and having their support meant the world to me,” she said.
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