Father, daughter triumph at Lifesaving World Champs

Paige wins bronze down under

PAIGE Horn kick-started her national lifesaving career off to the perfect start when she won bronze at last year’s Lifesaving World Championships (LWC) held in Adelaide (Australia) in December last year. Horn, who was representing the South African junior team took part in several individual events, including board, sprint and flags but triumphed in the team event for the taplin relay.

The talented youngster won a bronze medal in the taplin relay with fellow local residents, Alice Edward, Ally Chislett and Cape Town’s Kira Bester.

“I think overall I was proud of my individual performances and of the SA team’s performances. I did better than expected in my individual events, I finished sixth in board and seventh in sprints and that was pleasing. This was a huge learning curve for me, especially testing myself against world-class international competition. It’s motivated me to medal at the world champs next year,” she enthused.

Speaking on her bronze team medal, the Our Lady of Fatima learner said she was stoked with the medal.

“As a team we were nicely set-up and determined to get on the podium. I think all of us were proud of what we achieved,” the Umhlanga Rocks Surf Lifesaving Club member said.

Nic victorious in first world champs

UMHLANGA Rocks Surf Lifesaving Club member, Nic Horn, was victorious in the masters flags event at last year’s Lifesaving World Championships (LWC) winning bronze. Incredibly this was his first ever appearance at a lifesaving world champs.

“I had a goal in mind for the world champs and I felt I had trained hard so winning the bronze medal was phenomenal. I worked with a coach called Sean Carew and a lot of my success is down to him. He was super with motivating me and helping me get over my injuries. I was able to make the final of the surfski event and the sprints event. It was also a massive boost knowing people were rooting for you back at home,” he said.

Horn said his proudest moment at the world champs was seeing his daughter, Paige, win bronze in the taplin relay.

“It was such a proud moment for my wife, Wendy and I. I think we both understand the time and effort she puts in to her training and her dedication. I actually don’t know how she does it. She has a great attitude and is always smiling no matter the challenge. In fact she has inspired me to go further with the sport,” he said.

Overall, Team South Africa (open and youth) finished sixth overall in the combined pool and surf competitions.

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