Paddling their way on Italian waters
These Dabulamanzi Canoe Club paddlers took part in the 2023 Canoe Sprint World Championships that were held in Italy.
Four Dabulamanzi Canoe Club (Dabs) paddlers recently took part in the 2023 ICF Junior and U23 Canoe Sprint World Championships.
Theo Dryer and Jordan Klopper have been paddling at the Emmarentia-based dam for about 10 years while Caitlyn Evans and Alexa Godden have been paddling since they were both seven years old.
As this international championship, held in Auronzo, Italy, South Africa had a team of 11 paddlers compete. Jennie Dallas of Gauteng Canoe Union said the championship was an annual regatta with about 1 400 competitors from 64 countries competing.
“The regatta was started with a memorable opening ceremony where all the teams walked through the small town with their respective country’s flag with support from the town residents cheering them all on,” said Dallas.
Theo partnered with Daniel Van Zyl-Smit from East London in the doubles event, while Jordan and Caitlyn partnered up to paddle in the mixed doubles. Though they did not make podium positions, they broke their personal best records in the various races and were even more motivated and ready for the upcoming Canoe Sprint Olympic Hopes competition that will take place on September 7 to 10 in Poznan, Poland.
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