Solms leading healthy women’s Dusi challenge
LAST year was a massive one for now arguably South Africa’s best river marathon canoe racer, Abby Solms, as she clinched her first FNB Dusi title with the help of Anna Adamova.
Now, since her name changed from Adie to Solms, Abby has finally become the bride – rather than the bridesmaid – of the Dusi, having finished in second place a frustrating six times.
And with that title she announced herself as one of the favourites for what is set to be a competitive women’s field at this year’s Dusi starting next Thursday.
Solms is undoubtedly now the Queen of the Umzimkhulu, taking the record for the most wins all for herself when she won the Drak Challenge back in January for a seventh time.
She is a fierce competitor at the Fish River Canoe marathon, currently holding that title as well, and as she lines up just outside Ernie Pearce weir on February 16, she only will have winning on her mind, but she will have a few strong athletes breathing down her neck.
In a very short time Solms and Olympic medallist Bridgitte Hartley have struck up a burgeoning rivalry as Hartley gave the Drak winner a good scare in her chase over that two-day race in Underberg.
Hartley is by no means a river marathon specialist, but she is bringing her honed paddling talent, and raw determination, to bring some real prestigious and drama to the ladies race.
Solms is very aware of the power and ability of Hartley as a challenger to what potentially could be her first K1 title, but even though she was pushed hard by Hartley at the Drak, she stated she is not going to let it force her to panic in her preparation in the few weeks before the races.
“It is quite hard to get your training right after Drak,” Solms explained. “You have to be careful not to be caught up in the rat race and try and make up for lost time, if you feel like you are not quite there. But I am feeling confident, and I am happy, so it will be nice to have a good strong race and a strong women’s field. It always adds to the excitement of the race, and that is how it should be.”
While there are other challengers out there besides Hartley, in the likes of Jenna Ward, Tamika Haw, and Kayeta Purchase, these are all young girls who are rapidly rising through the ranks and adding to the competition, but will have to wait for their time in the sun.
This race will undoubtedly be all about Hartley and Solms, and for the favourite Solms, that only makes her more excited.
“It is so good to see the girls pushing each other just to do better overall,” Solms said happily.
“The women’s race is getting stronger. When you think some of the sports for women are dying, or become smaller, it is nice to know what a dominant filed we have lining up.”
Paddling and experience are what Solms has in spades, or should that be paddles, but with Dusi, there is also portaging to be considerate of, as it can be the thing that literally trips a favourite up.
But Solms admits that as much as it is not her favourite part of her sport, she is feeling strong in her running this year.
“I am hoping this is going to be my strongest year yet, I ran through winter so I hope my running will be in top form,” Solms said confidently.
“You always think you must work more on your portaging, because it is such a hard element to the race, and we do neglect it quite a bit.
It is hard, it is hard on your body, and it is not that fun, but you never really do as much as you should! We will just suffer on the day!”