South African paddler Kyle Armdorf headed to the President’s Cup 2025 Regatta in Azerbaijan – a first for SA – and he absolutely smashed it with two gold medals to show for it!
Mingachevir, Azerbaijan (02 May 2025) – He may have taken a knock to his health leading up to the biggest competition of his sporting career, but South African paddler Kyle Armdorf rowed like a champ at the President’s Cup 2025 Regatta in Azerbaijan – securing two gold medals!
According to Sport South Africa, the rising star won his first international race in Sugovushan on April 30 by winning gold in the U14 Boys K1 200m sprint with a time of 00:40.88. In the next leg of the regatta in Mingachevir, Armdorf went on to win the 500m race in a time of 2:22.17, completing with yet another gold medal!
His performance was praised by Canoeing South Africa, which highlighted the significance of the result for the young national team.
Kyle’s achievement will certainly go down in history as this was South Africa’s first appearance at the President’s Cup Regatta, which drew in over 200 athletes from more than 20 countries across Europe, Asia, and Africa.
In an interview with Idman.biz, Kyle shared that he encountered multiple health issues during training leading up to the international event.
“But I never gave up,” he said.
“I stood up, recovered, and kept going. I’m proud to have represented my country and family with dignity.”
Kyle’s victory, a showcase of his athletic prowess, undeterred grit, impressive discipline and national glory, has us roaring in celebration!
The young athlete has his sights set on competing in the Olympic Games, and if his debut performance at the President’s Cup is anything to go by, Kyle is well on his way!
Sources: Sport South Africa | Canoeing South Africa
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