THE South African team pulled off some incredible results at this year’s ICF Ocean Racing World Championships in France with local athletes, Hayley Nixon, claiming silver in the senior women’s race, while Kyéta Purchase claimed bronze in the U23 women’s race.
uMgeni Park resident, Nixon narrowly lost out newly crowned world champion, Danielle McKenzie by one minute and 12 seconds on the course from the Breizh Ocean Race.
Nixon, who was the defending champion said the conditions on the day in Presqu’ile Quiberon, South Brittany were extremely challenging.
“It was a gruelling race. The crosswind made paddling conditions extremely challenging and it made a difference on which line you chose. I’m extremely happy to have won silver, of course I really wanted gold but Dani (Danielle McKenzie) outclassed me. At the beginning of the race I saw her take-off and I knew she was a pedigree lifesaver so her paddling would be right up there.
“Initially I didn’t think she would hold the pace and after eight or 10 kilometres I lost sight of her because she chose a different line. It was only when I got to the beach that I realised she had won. I’m not sure I couldn’t have done anything different but I’m grateful to have medalled and be part of a successful South African team,” she said.
La Lucia’s Purchase was the third South African women to cross the finish line overall and finished in the top 12 overall.
“This was such a strong field of paddlers so I was chuffed to be third South African women home and claiming the bronze medal in the U23 race.My preparations for the world champs weren’t ideal. I would have liked more time for training but I’ve had to take into account that I will be travelling to China next month for the ICF Flatwater Champs. I’ve also been training for the Hansa Fish River Canoe Marathon which I’ve had to split my time between,” she said.
Purchase also thanked her family and coach for their support in the last few months.
“None of my achievements would be possible without my sponsor, my mom, my coach and my training partner, Jenna Ward. They’ve helped me believe in myself and push boundaries and both Jenna and I are working hard to bring back another medal from the flatwater champs next month,” she said.
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