South Africa has surged to the top of the world, as the nation’s surfski team delivered a stunning, triumphant performance at the ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships, claiming five out of six major titles and cementing their status as the undisputed champions of the ocean.
Madeira Island (06 October 2024) – South Africa has once again proven that it’s a nation of champions! At the ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships on Madeira Island, the South African surfski team delivered an outstanding performance, clinching victory in five of the six major championship races. The nation’s paddlers dominated the waves and the podium, making Friday a day to remember for South African sport.
The South African team showcased its immense talent and skill by conquering almost every major race.
Kira Bester, a name now etched in surfski history, led the charge by winning the U23 gold medal in the women’s event. Not only did Bester win her category, but she also claimed the overall title, a remarkable achievement for the young athlete.
South African paddlers were unbeatable, filling the top spots across categories, with five of the top ten finishers in the women’s event coming from South Africa.
In the senior women’s category, Michelle Burn added more gold to the nation’s tally by finishing second overall and securing the senior world title. Young Georgia Singe put on an inspiring performance as well, finishing seventh overall and taking home the junior title, completing a clean sweep of titles in the major championship races for the South African women.
Other South African women, including Melanie van Niekerk, Saskia Hockly, and Jade Wilson, made sure South Africa’s presence was felt throughout the top ten, finishing fourth, fifth, and ninth, respectively. The dominance of the women’s team was undeniable, with Bester reflecting on the tough race:
“I actually can’t describe the race in a quick way because it was as long as hell and the conditions were so diverse. Basically there was a downwind, then there was a headwind, then there was a flat section, a bumpy section and they kind of chopped and turned the whole time, so it was a very, very difficult course.”
Despite the challenging conditions, Bester’s determination and hard work paid off in the most spectacular fashion.
South Africa’s men also made an incredible impact at the championships. Hank McGregor, a legend in the sport, secured third place overall, adding another bronze to his long list of accolades. In a historic moment, Germany’s Gordan Harbrecht became the first European to win the men’s event, but the South Africans were hot on his heels, with McGregor and Matthew Fenn, who placed fourth overall and claimed the U23 title, flying the flag high.
Sam Mocke, the new junior world champion, continued the winning streak, showing the depth of talent coming out of South Africa. Joining him on the podium was Heath Clarke, who secured silver in the junior men’s category.
Former world champions Kenny Rice and Nic Notten rounded off the top ten, placing fifth and sixth respectively, while Uli Hart finished tenth and claimed bronze in the U23 race.
A Celebration of South African Excellence
What makes this triumph even more extraordinary is the sheer number of South African paddlers finishing in the top ranks. Five men and six women secured top-ten finishes, highlighting the dedication, training, and hard work of the athletes and their support teams.
South Africa’s success at the ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships is a clear indication of the nation’s strength in surfski racing, with 14 medals added to the tally on Day 1.
Bester captured the emotions perfectly when she said, “It’s an incredible feeling to have won because it is kind of the pinnacle of all my hard work coming together and paying off. I have sacrificed so much to get here… It’s an achievement for all the people that backed me – my family, my team, my coaches and basically my whole club. It’s a really awesome feeling.”
South Africa now holds a commanding lead on the medal table, with Spain, Germany, and Portugal trailing behind.
Our athletes keep showing the world what we are capable of, and there is no doubt that South Africa will continue to make waves in the world of ocean racing (and every other sport we take part in). As Dricus du Plessis would say, “Hulle weet nie wat ons weet nie.”
by 