Canoeing South Africa have announced the young national canoe sprint team that will represent the country at the Olympic Hopes Regatta that will take place in Bratislava, Slovakia from 8-11 September.
The thirteen paddlers selected to represent South Africa will take part in Under 15, Under 16 and Under 17 races and for a number of the paddlers this will be a first taste of international competition when they take on the world’s best juniors.
The Olympic Hopes Regatta is an important part of CSA’s process of talent identification going forward and with sprint canoeing being an Olympic discipline it’s crucial that the next generation are identified early.
“The Olympic Hopes continues to be an important regatta on our calendar as a talent pathway to future championships,” President of Canoeing South Africa Kim Pople said.
“We are looking towards Los Angles in 2028 and Brisbane in 2032 so congratulations to all those paddlers that have been selected for the team and we wish them all the best in their preparation.
“For some it is the first time travelling out the country so it will be a brilliant experience all round.”
The paddlers will be racing K1 or K2 boats over 200 metres, 500 metres and 1000 metres during the regatta.
Following on from the national selection event at Lomond Dam in the Western Cape recently, the team will now travel to dedicated sprint racing venue where they will take on the best paddlers in their age categories.
SA Team:
Bruno Cochrane, Cody Stallard, Tyde Malherbe, Theo Dreyer, Jordan Klopper, Zak Jacobs, Nicholas Erwee, Lungelo Gumede, Sibongeleni Mzimba, Kayla Szalay, Amy Duffett, Kerry Elliott, Nina Callebaut.