Camps Bay High School canoeist impresses in Portugal

CAMPS Bay High School pupil Holly Smith, 16, made South Africa proud by bagging second place in the Under19 category at the 2022 International Canoe Federation (ICF) competition in Portugal.

Holly was the youngest member of the South African team, competing at U19 junior women level at the Ocean Racing World Championships at Viana Do Castelo. This opportunity followed her success in the Breede River Canoe Marathon in September, when she won the U19 and U23 ladies’ titles.

Her hard work paid off but she said it took intensive training. “Loads and loads of training, early mornings, late evenings and commitment, dedication with the Orka Squad coached by Peter Cole. It’s absolutely unbelievable and I’m beyond stoked and proud to have podiumed at my first world champs with two years to go in this age group.

“I’m hoping to make both junior marathons and surf-ski teams next year and hopefully getting better results,” said Holly.

She was pleased to share the victory with KZN’s Saskia Hockly, 18, who bagged the first prize. “My highlight was to be able to stand on the podium with my teammate Saskia, who took the win in the junior girls. It was her last year in the category,” she said.

Principal Louis Mostert couldn’t contain his excitement for the Grade 10 pupil, who was named the school’s junior sportswoman of the year.

“We are incredibly proud of Holly. She is a dedicated member of the Camps Bay High School water polo and netball teams, playing a valuable role in the teams’ successes.

“At only 16 years old, she has won top accolades in both U19 and U23 canoeing events in South Africa. Holly also represented the Western Cape at the SA Lifesaving Championships, where she helped with the province’s great victory,” said Mostert.

Her father, Miki Smith, said: “I’m absolutely stoked and super proud of her commitment, dedication and focus. To race at this level, against the best in the world, means we are moving in the right direction as a country.

“I wish there was more support for our athletes,” said Miki.

| SUPPLIED YOUNG canoeist Holly Smith, 16.