Jenna’s raring to go as world champs approach
Mt Edgecombe paddler part of a 32-man national squad for ICF world champs in the USA.
AS her first senior international competition approaches, Mt Edgecombe’s Jenna Ward has spoken about her goal of making the top five in the K1 competition at the ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships in Oklahoma City later this year. There is a steely determination to the softly spoken Mt Edgecombe resident when she talked about her preparation leading up to the global event.
The talented youngster is part of a 32-man national squad which includes a number of world champions.
Ward recently claimed her maiden senior river title at the Berg River Canoe Marathon in the Western Cape and finished in third position at the South African Sprint Canoeing Championships behind Olympic bronze medalist Bridgitte Hartley (who won the event). Her performances have provided a boost ahead of the world champs where she will compete in two events.
She will be partnering with fellow KZN paddler Hayley Arthur in the K2 senior women’s race and will be going solo in the K1 U23 race.
“I’ve set myself the goal of finishing in the top five in both categories. I know it will be tough but it’s an experience I’m looking forward to. Coming up against other senior international paddlers is an exciting prospect,” she enthused.
She has also been able to glean some insight into the senior world from coach and SA paddling legend Lee McGregor.
“Lee’s been great. I have paddled a long time without a coach so to have him guiding me has made a huge difference and it’s shown in my performances.”
Though Ward hasn’t had much time to paddle competitively with her new K2 partner Hayley ahead of the world champs, the former Kingsway High School pupil is making no excuses.
“We’ve been training really hard, spending as much time as we can in the water getting to know each other and I’m confident we will be ready come the champs in September,” she explained.
Former Durban North resident Brandon van der Walt has also been included in the squad. He is joined by three-time canoe marathon world champion Hank McGregor as well Jasper Mocké.
With the criteria stating that the top two in each of the senior and junior events would be selected for the South African team reigning U23 K1 world champion Andy Birkett missed out on a K1 selection but he and partner Greg Louw earned selection in a K2.
Although Birkett and Louw were third in the SA Champs, they gained selection due to former junior and U23 world champion Grant van Der Walt being unavailable for the tour.
