Bronze for Durban North paddler at world champs
Mackenzie who was competing in the junior women’s race, the first event of the day, won SA's first medal of the games, although she was somewhat gifted the medal.
OUR Lady of Fatima learner Christie Mackenzie won the hearts of the local fans at Camps Drift after winning a bronze medal at the ICF Canoe Marathon World which concluded on Sunday.
The Durban North resident put in an incredible performance at this year’s world champs winning her first medal. It has been an incredible year for the youngster who finished second at this year’s FNB Dusi Canoe Marathon.
Mackenzie who was competing in the junior women’s race, the first event of the day, won SA’s first medal of the games, although she was somewhat gifted the medal.
The Hungarian duo of Zsóka Csikós and Dorina Fekete set the tone when they broke away on the first lap and were left to fight for the gold and silver medals between them. Csikós was too strong at the finish and Fekete could not come over her wake in the end sprint.
Behind the two Hungarians, it was a case of good luck and bad luck for the South African pair of Mackenzie cousins.
After Caitlin Mackenzie was knocked out of her boat in a clash of paddles at the start, her cousin Christie claimed what ended up being an easy bronze medal. The medal was confirmed when Italian Teresa Isotta fell out and blocked Mackenzie’s rivals at the put-in after the final portage, allowing the South African to enjoy the shouts of support from the vocal local supporters as she cruised across the line in third.
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