Toti canoeist strives for Olympics
He is currently training for KZN sprints set to take place in Pietermaritzburg at Nagle Dam, SA sprints and SA Surf ski champs both taking place in Cape Town.
BUDDING canoeist, Lungelo Shange, 17, is currently training for upcoming events where he hopes to qualify and be selected for the Olympic Hopes Regatta in Slovakia, in June.
Lungelo, from Umgababa, is a member of Siyaphambili SurfSki Club which is a development team of the Amanzimtoti watersport club (Toti Canoe Club).
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He first got into canoeing in 2015 and has since competed all over the country and once overseas in Europe, Czech Republic. So far, he has accumulated 35 medals, which is a testament to his dedication.
He is currently training for KZN sprints set to take place in Pietermaritzburg at Nagle Dam, SA sprints and SA Surf ski champs both taking place in Cape Town.
“Training has been difficult after completing the Dusi Canoe Marathon, which was also my first. After the passing of Dean Chiazzari, things were upside down and we were struggling, but luckily his brother, Brent Chiazzari, took over with coaching. Brent has been a great coach that helps us a lot with gaining fitness,” said Lungelo.
His biggest goal for this year is to be selected for the Olympic Hopes Regatta in Slovakia. “Things have been difficult for me since I don’t have transport and I’m attending school.
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It takes me 30 minutes from home to school, one hour from home to the gym and then training starts at 17:00. It’s a lot, but all I can do is try my best and hope I can qualify for Slovakia, as I have many chances available,” said Lungelo.
For more information about upcoming events, contact the Siyaphambili SurfSki Club on 067 200 5944 or the Toti Canoe Club on 082 458 2736.
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