Mount Moreland sisters shine on world stage

MOUNT Moreland residents and sisters, Saskia and Valma Jean Hockly, were among history makers at this year’s ICF Ocean Racing World Championships on the island of Lanzarote.

Saskia won the juniors women’s crown, while younger sister, Valma Jean won bronze in a champs that saw Team SA win five world titles.

The Danville Park Girls’ High School learners and Umhlanga Rocks Surf Lifesaving Club (Rox) members said they were proud of what they achieved at the world championships.

“I couldn’t believe I was the junior world champ at the time and I still couldn’t believe it until a few days later,” explained Saskia. “It was such an amazing race and to have my sister on the same podium was just extra special. Leading up to Lanzarote I felt quite confident as I had done as much training as I could have and I think the hard work really paid off. It’s given me the motivation to train hard ahead of next year’s competition as I stay in the junior women’s category so I get a chance of defending my world title,” she said.

Saskia also praised Team SA’s efforts at the champs which saw them dominate.

“It was awesome seeing Michelle Burn, a fellow Rox lifesaving club member, win the senior women’s category. I think the whole team performed exceptionally because so many of the national team were unable to travel to Lanzarote for the global title deciders as they were unable to get visas,” she said.

Her sister, Valma Jean, who took a different line in the race said she didn’t realise until crossing the finishing line that she had finished third.

“I chose quite a different line to the other paddlers so I didn’t see anyone else until the end. It was my mom who said she thought I’d finished third and I just couldn’t believe it. I was just going to these world champs for the experience if I’m honest. It was quite daunting being on the starting line and seeing all the paddlers with different skis and looking focused.

“Being able to medal and enjoy the moment with my sister is just an indescribable moment and it is such an amazing feeling. Both Saskia and I owe a lot to our family and to our coach, Matt Bouman who helped us both mentally and physically prepare for the world champs and the hard work certainly paid off,” Valma Jean said.

Incredibly both sisters are now preparing for the ICF Canoe Marathon Championship to be held in Pitesti, Romania at the end of September.

Saskia will be competing in the K1 junior race and will partner with Mount Edgecombe resident, Jenna Nisbet for the K2 seniors while Valma Jean will be partnering with Tannah Smith in the K2 juniors.