Blairgowrie canoeist reaches semis at World Champs
Alexa Godden competed in three events at the World Sprint Championships and earned commendable results.
Blairgowrie canoeist Alexa Godden proudly represented her country in Italy at the World Sprint Championships in July.
She competed in three U23 events and had good results.
This was after excellent performances at the South African Sprint Championships qualified her for other Worlds, as she had participated in a few.
“I did the K1 200m at Worlds, as well as the K2 500m where we progressed to a semi-final but, unfortunately, had some boat troubles so didn’t get to get further,” the paddler who trains at Dabulamanzi Canoe Club in Emmarentia told Randburg Sun.
“Lastly, I did a new event that has just been added, the mixed relay. My partner and I finished 12th overall, which puts us at 12th in the world for that event.”
South Africa had a team of 11 paddlers competing at Worlds, which was at a lovely venue located at a Unesco heritage site on an alpine lake surrounded by mountains. The championship is an annual regatta where the best national athletes battle it on the water.
There were about 1 400 canoeists from 64 countries. The regatta 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 on.
Godden felt it was an honour and privilege to compete. “At this stage, I am using every international race as a learning experience – as I know I have a long way to go.”
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