The first wheelchair bound para-canoeist to ever complete the 80km Hansa Fish River Marathon in Cradock has once again achieved new heights this past weekend.
Florida Lake Canoe Club paddler Constant Olivier was awarded at the club’s annual prize giving at Rusty Hook.
“He won two of the most coveted highly respected canoeing awards of the evening. They were presented to the hardworking, committed and disciplined para-canoeist who has achieved new milestones and opened the way for future wheel chair bound canoeists,” said Gauteng Canoe Union’s Jennie Dallas.
Olivier was presented with the Award of Excellence for his committed efforts to continually improve his performance, taking additional technique lessons and practising hard and regularly.
He was then given the Canoe Concepts Challenge Award for taking on difficult and demanding challenges which include the 80km Hansa Fish River Marathon in October last year.
Olivier topped off his weekend by participating in the Gauteng Canoe Union Sprint Championships at Wemmer Pan.
At the event there were only two para-canoeists who participated in the races. Olivier excelled, winning both the 200m and 500m race.
“Last year, Olivier was beaten by his younger competitor. This year, his hard work and training paid off despite being 30 years older,” said Dallas.
He finished the Olympic Sprint Discipline distance races for 200m in 1.03 and the 500m race in a time of 2.29.
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