Historic Dusi victory for Birkett

ANDY Birkett further etched his name into the Dusi Canoe Marathon record books on Saturday when he edged out 2013 winner Lance Kime and ‘Dusi Darling’ Sbonelo Khwela in record time on route to clinching a fifth race title.

Given Birkett’s young age, the feat is even more impressive and the 24-year-old now joins race legends Peter Peacock, Harry Fisher and Gordy Rowe on five victories and while ‘Dusi King’ Graham Pope-Ellis’ record of 15 titles remains safe, for now, Birkett is fast closing in on second on the list Martin Dreyer, who won the race seven times, even though it’s not a focus of his.

Birkett became the first person in the 64 year-old race’s history to drop under the eight hour mark as when crossed the line in 7:55.35, five minutes and eleven second ahead of Kime.

“Today feels like the first time that I have won Dusi; I am really stoked to be honest,” said Birkett.

“My build up wasn’t ideal coming into Dusi but no build up is so I am just really happy that I was able to pull it off today!

“I’m not chasing records, I am not trying to overtake anyone for total number of wins. I just want to take each year as it comes as I really enjoy paddling and Dusi is such a special race. There is a great build up, the community really gets together for it and it’s great to be here with a victory!” he added.

Birkett started the day with more than five minutes between himself and Kime however with Khwela in third and renowned for his abilities to run with a boat on his shoulder, there was little margin for error.

Men
1. Andy Birkett 2:19.35 7:55.35
2. Lance Kime 2:19.18 8:00.46
3. Sbonelo Khwela 2:18.01 8:03.47
4. Thulani Mbanjwa 2:23.39 8:15.02
5. Andrew Houston (U23) 2:24.57 8:31.27