16-year-old Holly Smith has flown the South African flag high during the 2022 ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships in Portugal, earning second place in her event.
Viana Do Castelo, Portugal (07 October 2022) – Holly Smith has made South Africa proud, earning a silver medal for the Junior (U19) Women’s event at the 2022 ICF Canoe (Kayak/Surf Ski) Ocean Racing World Championships held at Viana Do Castelo, Portugal.
At just 16 years old, Holly is the youngest member of the South African Team and was given the honour of being the flag bearer for the South African Team at the Canoe Marathon World Championships, which took place last week, in Portugal.
She has been able to compete in both events. During the Canoe Marathon World Championships, she finished in 9th place in the K2 and 14th place in the K1 events. Her second place at the Ocean Racing World Championships has been a win worthy of big celebrations.
Her school, Camps Bay High School, are proud of her achievement and wants the rest of South Africa to join them in congratulating her.
“Holly is more at home in the ocean racing events, having grown up with the ocean on her doorstep and as an active member of the Llandudno Surf Lifesaving Club so really was able to show of her skills in the Ocean Racing World Championships.” – Busi Ngcwama, Camps Bay High School’s Head of Sport
Holly finished in second place in the Junior (U19) Women’s Event in a time of 01.35.09.73 having just managed to beat the Australian, Jasmine Rayward who finished in a time of 01:35:10:50. Holly’s teammate from South Africa, Durban based, Saskia Hockly, took top honours in a time of 1.32.00.95.
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