Paddling ahead in the pursuit of a victory
Canoeists will represent country in Portugal in September
FIRST-year Varsity College student Christie Mckenzie is among the 17 paddlers selected to represent their country at the ICF Marathon World Championships in Prado Vila Verde, Portugal from September 6 to 9.
Her fellow female teammates are Bridgitte Hartley, taking part in the senior women K1 & K2 division; Jenna Ward, senior women K1 division; Hayley Nixon, senior women K2 division; Sabina Lawrie, under-23 Women K1 division; and Melissa van Rooyen, in the senior women K2 division.
Male paddlers in the team include Andy Birkett, taking part in the senior men K1 and K2; Jasper Mocké, in the senior men K1; Hank McGregor, senior men K2; Stuart Maclaren, senior men K2; Kenny Rice, senior men K2; Nick Notten, under 23 men K1; Louis Hattingh, under-23 men K1; Uli Hart, junior boys K1 and K2; Matthew Fenn, junior under-18 boys K2; David Evans, junior boys K1 and K2; and Hamish Mackenzie, junior boys K2.
Their selection follows the recent successful 30km South African Canoe Marathon Championships, in St Francis Bay, where Christie Mckenzie partnered gym instructor Nixon in ending up in second place.
According to Mckenzie, the tide was a big factor in the outcome of the race because it determined their paddling strength and challenged their ability.
“It was a tough and gruelling race, mostly because it was our first time in a K2, but we made it work and are excited to see the results,” she said.
The sports co-ordinator at the Independent Institute of Education (IIE) Varsity College, Andrew Robert Howitt, praised Mckenzie, for her St Francis Bay achievements and for her selection in the South African team headed for Portugal.
“It is great to see that Christie’s passion, hard work and commitment to the sport of paddling has paid off.
“Christie demonstrates the true meaning of VC Sports Life and we are extremely proud of her achievements,” said Howitt.