McGregor makes fourth mark on Fish
A WEEK after regaining his world marathon crown, paddling icon Hank McGregor yet again etched his name into the record books. Together with long-time racing partner Grant van der Walt, the K2 combination claimed their fourth consecutive Hansa Fish.
This, added to McGregor’s victory with Len Jenkins a few years back, ensured the Natalian became the most decorated K2 paddler on the Fish.
“Today was probably the best I have ever shot Cradock Weir and after that it was great to come home to get our fourth win in a row together and my fifth, so I’m very happy,” said McGregor.
Jenkins, who is fondly referred to as “The Fisher King” for his seeming invincibility in a K1 on the river, teamed up with local Greg Louw to secure second spot on the podium.
German national Tobias Bong and Czech Tomas Slovak raced like men possessed to take third after a disastrous start on day one and were unlucky not finish second after taking a swim at Cradock Weir. Bong is determined to return to the river as he has unfinished business and will most likely race with countryman and world 1 000m champion Max Hoff.
With all three podium finishers enduring setbacks throughout the marathon, it made for exciting racing.
McGregor and Van der Walt took on water during the blustery dam crossing at the start and had to fight back, as did the international crew of Bong and Slovak, who had to get out of their canoe before the bank to avoid sinking.
The most telling setback was dealt to Jenkins and Louw when their rudder was bent beyond repair at the notorious Double Trouble Weir after putting in first after the long dam wall portage.
In a show of true sportsmanship current Dusi champion Lance Kime and Thulani Mbanjwa stopped to help straighten their rudder just before the infamous Keith’s Flyover rapid.
“If not for our rudder trouble I would have paddled through a wall to maintain our lead,” said Jenkins, who has dominated the singles title for a decade.
Abby Adie and Czech National Anna Adamova raced sublimely, edging out Robyn Kime and Olympian Bridgette Hartley. U23 up-and-comers Jenna Ward and Kerry Segal took a fantastic third after a tough two days of racing.