IT is quite rare when there are not enough superlatives in the lexicon of the English language to describe Saskia Hockly’s achievements this past year.
Phenomenal perhaps, sensational mayhap, but all these words don’t quite measure up to the hard work and dedication the 18-year-old has put into her craft.
The list of accolades for the Mount Moreland resident is impressive and bears repeating for those unfamiliar with her exploits.
In September this year, Hockly represented the South African team, winning bronze in the junior women’s K1 race at the International Canoe Federation (ICF) Canoe Marathon World Championships in Portugal.
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That performance was a repeat of her appearance at the very same championships in Romania in 2021.
Less than 24 hours later, Saskia joined sister Valma Jean in the junior women’s K2 race, winning silver and helping add to Team SA’s impressive medal haul, which saw them finish fourth on the medals table.
Just 30km away, at Viana do Castelo in Portugal, Saskia went on to win gold and defend her junior women’s title (U18) at the ICF Ocean Racing World Championships.
It was fitting that Saskia was then named Junior Sportswoman of the Year award-winner for a second year running, an award she shared with swimmer Matthew Sates in 2021, who won Junior Sportsman of the Year.
“I knew I was a nominee for the category, but I didn’t think any more of it. I was actually away in Portugal when the results were announced. I got a message from President of Canoeing Kim Pople, to congratulate me. It really did come as a shock because I was up against two great athletes, including Tatum Botha and Tyler Jacobs. Tatum is a good friend of mine and an amazing athlete, and she has proven herself over and over again, so it was a shock and an honour,” she said.
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Speaking on her medal haul at the world champs in surfski and marathon canoeing, Saskia said the bronze medal she won at the (ICF) Canoe Marathon World Championships meant the most to her.
“The calibre of athletes this year was top notch. It was much tougher and more competitive. I must say, the bronze medal I won at the marathon champs has to be one of the most hard-earned medals in my career. I’m more proud of that bronze than my gold medal at the surfksi world championships. And then to cap off the most surreal weekend of racing was the silver with my sister Valma Jean. It really is something to be proud of. Not many people can say they raced with their sister and podiumed,” she said.
The IIE’s Varsity College Durban North student also paid tribute to her family and her coach, Matthew Bouman.
“My family has been so supportive of me, and they are always behind me. To have them there with me to celebrate was such a wonderful memory. My coach, Matthew Bouman, has also been incredibly supportive. All the drills and training we did this year really prepared me mentally for the challenges ahead. You go through stages in your head where you question, is this necessary, but overcoming a seemingly insurmountable obstacle is so rewarding at the end of the day,” she said.
Saskia will move up to the U23 age group next year and hopes to draw on her wealth of experience in the junior divisions to leave her mark on the world stage.
She is also competing in the Wall and Back Surfski series, hoping to secure a hat-trick of series wins.
