TOTI Canoe Club member, Michelle Burn is still in high spirits after she was named the KZN Sportswoman of the Year at a prize-giving event in Pietermaritzburg on Friday, November 5.
While she has racked up a number of first place finishes in various competitions throughout the year, Burn said being named KZN Sportswoman of the Year came as a surprise. In addition to a R50 000 cash prize, she also drove away in a brand new VW Polo.
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“I didn’t realise the event was so big. Even after being told I was a nominee, I never thought I could actually win, so this came as a nice surprise,” said Michelle.
Among her achievements this year, Burn won the Fenn SA Surfski Championships in April, she bagged gold at the International Canoe Championships at the Canary Islands in July and, in August, won the Petrefuel Dolphin Coast Challenge in Durban.
Michelle said the numerous messages she has received since Friday evening made winning worthwhile.
“This was a very good year for me, and I worked very hard. I may have one or two competitions before Christmas, and that will be it for the year. Even during the holidays I will be training in preparation for next year.”
KwaZulu-Natal Sport Confederation president, Thami Mchunu congratulated all of the winners
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“These awards came after a lot of hard work from both the athletes as well as the federation’s officials. This is proof that your work will not go unnoticed and you will always reap rewards of your dedication,” said Thami.
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