South Africa’s paddling sensation, Kira Bester, has done it again—defending her title at the 2024 Hong Kong Mox Dragon Run with unmatched determination, proving that grit and talent can conquer even the toughest waters.
Hong Kong (13 November 2024) – South Africans have always been trailblazers on the global stage, from sports to science and everything in between. This time, it’s paddling prodigy Kira Bester who has made waves – quite literally – by defending her title at the Hong Kong Mox Dragon Run 2024.
At just 23 years old, Kira has firmly established herself as one of the brightest stars in the world of paddling. Recently crowned the 2024 ICF Female Ocean Racing World Champion, she’s known for her grit, focus, and ability to excel in high-stakes races. Her passion for ocean racing, combined with her disciplined training, has made her a force to be reckoned with.
But the Hong Kong Mox Dragon Run was no walk in the park. This grueling 23km race challenges athletes with its unpredictable conditions, spanning from Clear Water Bay Golf and Country Club to St. Stephen’s Beach in Stanley Bay.
Yet Kira not only competed – she dominated.
The talented South African took the lead with a winning time of 1:42:05, finishing 44 seconds ahead of New Zealand’s Danielle Richards. Kira was the youngest female competitor and secured a remarkable fifth place overall, just 11 minutes behind the male winner, Australia’s Cory Hill.
Describing her experience, Kira shared, “It was a full-on race from the start, with no opportunity to take a break. It was a fast start, and I managed to get a good line, breaking away with Danielle and Michelle. We were neck and neck for most of the race, but I managed to open the gap towards the end.”
She continued, “I love racing in Hong Kong; it’s a well-organised international event with a friendly paddling community and technical conditions that keep you on your toes.”
Kira’s victory is a shining example of the hard work, resilience, and world-class talent that South Africans bring to international platforms. Beyond her personal triumph, this achievement boosts the global recognition of South Africa’s ocean racing scene, which consistently produces top-tier athletes. The fact that Michelle Burn and Melanie van Niekerk, also South African paddlers, finished in the top spots reinforces the dominance of our nation in this sport.
Dean McCoubrey, founder of MySociaLife, expressed his pride in Kira, saying, “We wish Kira Bester the best as she heads to Australia, carrying the South African flag high and showcasing the spirit of our nation—whether in a pool, on a rugby or netball field, or out in the ocean. For the most part, world-class talent is developed through great support, coaches, and a mindset of hard work. Well done to all her team and other sponsors too for that all-important work.”
What’s Next for Kira? Well, the Hong Kong victory is just the beginning. The passionate South African is now setting her sights on the Shaw and Partners WA Race Week in Perth, Australia, which kicks off later this month. A week-long series with five events, it’s another challenge that Kira is ready to tackle head-on.
“I’m looking forward to these final races before taking a well-deserved break after a long year of training, competing, and completing my final year of studies at the University of Cape Town,” she said.
Her journey so far, including winning the ICF Female Ocean Racing title in Madeira, demonstrates her relentless dedication. And with the ICF Ocean Racing World Championships coming to Durban next October, South Africans have even more reason to cheer as the world’s best paddlers descend on our shores.
As Kira continues to fly the South African flag high, we can’t wait to see what waves she makes next—both literally and figuratively!
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