DURBAN - 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 prior. 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 competitors 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 inject some real drama to the women’s 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 was not going to let it force her to panic in her preparation for next Thursday.
“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.”
There are other challengers out there besides Hartley, in the form of Jenna Ward, Tamika Haw, and Kayeta Purchase. These are all young canoeists rapidly rising through the ranks and adding to the competition, but will probably have to wait for their time in the sun. This race will probably 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.
“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 field 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 consider.
“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,” a confident Solms said. “You always think you must work more on your portaging.It is hard on your body, and it is not much fun, but you never really do as much as you should. We will just suffer on the day!”