FLCC paddlers ready for sprint championships

Local paddlers have been training hard for the upcoming SA Sprint championships taking place in Germiston from March 23–25.

Hoërskool Roodepoort learner and Florida Lake Canoe Club (FLCC) member Michael Goredema, participated in the Sprint Trilogy series in the U16 category and finished seventh overall in the series. This formed part of his training in the Olympic Discipline (Sprints).

Jennie Dallas, the Gauteng Canoe Union public relations officer, said, “When Michael competed in the 2023 Gauteng Sprint Championships, he fell out of his boat numerous times while lining up at the sprint start line. To have achieved such an improvement in just one year is very impressive and indicates much effort hard work and commitment.”

Arthur Matthews Primary learner and FLCC member Amile Mzolo (9) also participated in the Trilogy series. She competed in the U16 category, completed all three races in the series and walked away with a 15th overall position.

Jennie added, “Achieving a 15th place in a group of 25 competitors who are all older than her, is remarkable. When she participates in the SA Sprint Championships, the juniors will race in their own age groups, (U8, U10, and U12), so she will have a much better chance at displaying her ability and achieving well.”

The Sprint Trilogy was a three-part race series, organised by Esti Van Tonder based at Roodeplaat’s Academy of Canoe Development. The first race was on February 3 at Emmarentia Dam and two events took place at Roodeplaat Dam on February 24 and March 10.

“Both the young local paddlers are looking forward to competing at the SA Sprint Championships,” Jennie concluded.