South African paddlers excel at the African Beach Games

Kwanda Mzolo and Nosipho Mthembu’s two-paddler team returned from the African Beach Games in Tunisia with a perfect medal tally of gold and silver in the men’s and women’s surfski events, respectively.

Despite the fact that Mzolo had previously represented South Africa on the continental scene, the event’s second year provided crucial international racing experience for Mzolo and Mthembu.

African Beach Games witness South African excellence

Mzolo, who is now representing South Africa at the ICF Junior and Under 23 Sprint World Championships in Italy, demonstrated with a memorable gold medal that continental competition is a stepping stone to better things.

For Mthembu, unfortunately it didn’t go all her way in the race but over the 3km’s she managed to put in a good effort to claim the silver behind Algeria.

“The racing was challenging, and it didn’t go according to plan for me, and I really wanted to win that gold medal,” Mthembu said.

“I had a few problems during the race and couldn’t catch the Algerian paddler, but it was a really good experience and it was an honour to represent my country.

“It’s disappointing to not win gold and hear another country’s anthem playing when you are standing on the podium.”

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Level playing field

All paddlers paddled in the same style boat which levelled the playing field for the race and with it being a 3km shoot-out it was a sprint for the line.

“We’re proud to have more paddlers representing South Africa on an international stage,” President of Canoeing South Africa Kim Pople said.

“To be able to enter two paddlers and for both to win medals is encouraging for us as a federation going forward.

“Paddling continues to punch above its weight internationally and we hope to continue to produce paddlers that can win medals worldwide.”

Zolpidem