Paddlers aim for world champs glory

THERE’S a look of steadfast determination for four members of the South African team for the upcoming ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships in Prado Vila Verde, Portugal.

The paddlers, Hayley Nixon (Durban North), Christie Mackenzie (Durban North), Jenna Ward (Mount Edgecombe) and Sabina Lawrie (Durban North) are all looking to improve their respective results at this year’s flatwater champs.
For two time bronze medallist in the U23 category, Ward, who will be competing in the senior women’s category in the K1 will be hoping to emulate her form at the world champs and go all the way to the top.

“I know quite a few of the international girls who have all medalled at some point so I know the competition is going to be extremely tough. It could be anyone’s race on the day,” she said. Ward who is part of the MACSquad, trained by the legendary Lee McGregor, said training on the uMngeni River was the perfect preparation for the world champs. “The champs are on a river this year surprisingly so we are very lucky to train at Blue Lagoon which will offer similar conditions to the ones we will face in Portugal,” Ward explained.

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Another paddler looking to improve on her bronze at last year’s world champs is former Our Lady of Fatima learner, Christie Mackenzie.

Mackenzie will be pairing up with the experince of Nixon in the K2 race and will be hoping to finish on the podium in the U23 K1 race.

“This is my third world champs and I’ve managed to improve my performances each year I’ve appeared. In my first ever champs I finished 14th in the K1 race but last year I managed to win bronze at home. My goal is to medal this year and make the country proud,” she said.

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Another paddler looking to medal is former Danville Park Girls’ High School learner, Sabina Lawrie.

“Like Christie, I’ve been to three world champs but this will be my first time competing in the U23 K1 category. I’ve not really thought of positions because I just need to focus on my own race. I’ve had a really good build-up to the world champs since the national champs in St Francis. I feel prepared for the games and I’m confident the SA team will bring back a stack of medals,” said Lawrie, who is also a member of the MACSquad said.

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