The ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships began on a high note for Team South Africa, with Georgia Singe securing a silver medal in the junior K1 race!
Metkovic, Croatia (20 September 2024) – The ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships are underway in Croatia and have been a rollercoaster of emotions for Team South Africa.
The action-packed event began on a high note for Team South Africa, with Georgia Singe displaying talent and determination as she secured a silver medal in the junior K1 race after a tight battle with Portugal’s Maria Gomes.
According to Canoeing SA, Singe and Gomes were the dominant pair in a five-boat front group, with the Portuguese powering into each portage in front, while Singe was always first to re-enter the water after her slick portages, but neither was able to make a decisive break until the lead group was reduced to three on the final run.
Other South Africans in action on the opening day were the men’s and women’s short course entrants, with Paris Olympic B Finalist Hamish Lovemore comfortably easing his way into Thursday’s final, where he secured second place.
The SA team faced mixed fortunes in other events with the disappointment of Hartley and McGregor’s elimination in the women’s heats, and Clint Cook’s 13th-place finish which was a setback.
Despite these challenges, the team’s determination and resilience were evident, as they continued to strive for success.
Firday’s programme starts with Singe chasing a second medal as she and Holly Smith defend their K2 title they won in Vejen, Denmark last year.
The two U23 races provide a good opportunity for medals with Saskia Hockly a strong contender to at least match her bronze medal from 2023, while Uli Hart and Matt Fenn could both be fighting for places in the lead group in the men’s U23 K1 race.
The senior and junior boys’ K1 races are all scheduled to take place on Saturday, while the corresponding K2 races will be raced on Sunday.
Update: Since publishing, has earned her second silver medal (20/09/2024 @ 16:57).
Sources: Canoeing South Africa
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