Durban – Andy Birkett clinched his fifth Dusi canoe marathon crown on Saturday when he became the first man to finish the three-day race in a sub-eight hour time, but he insisted afterwards that he was not one to worry about records.
The 24-year-old regained the K1 or singles classification title he lost in 2013 to Lance Kime, who finished second, when he powered home in a time of seven hours, 55 minutes and 35 seconds (7:55.35).
His time shaved almost five minutes off the previous record of 8:00.29, set by the runner-up finisher two years ago, while Birkett also joined race legends Peter Peacock, Harry Fisher and Gordy Rowe on five victories.
“I’m not chasing records, I am not trying to overtake anyone for total number of wins,” a modest Birkett said afterwards.
“I just want to take each year as it comes as I really enjoy paddling and the Dusi is such a special race.
“There is a great build up, the community really gets together for it and it’s great to be here with a victory.” The record in the 64th edition of the world famous race, which is held between Camps Drift in Pietermaritzburg and Blue Lagoon in Durban, was set up by an impressive stage one when Birkett, Kime and Sbonele Khwela raced neck-and-neck.
The trio were the pre-race favourites and did not disappoint from start to finish of the opening 42 kilometre stage to Dusi Bridge.
Birkett won in a time of 2:36.26, almost seven minutes quicker than the record of 2:43.17, which proved to be the key to breaking eight-hour mark in the 120 km race.
“I really enjoyed the three days of racing with Sbonelo and Lance,” he said.
“They’re amazing athletes and the competition with these two guys, especially on day one was really exciting.
“We really had to push so hard and I think that’s why we broke the record on day one by seven minutes ... because the three of us were pushing each other so hard.
“Day two Lance was pushing me and every time I thought I pulled away, I saw he was catching me a bit.
“Today I felt the pressure and battled a bit going over Burma (Road Portage), the legs were taking a bit of strain. I managed to ease up in the last ten kilometres coming into Durban though and just savour the moment and enjoy it.” Kime’s overall time was 8:00.46, was over five minutes behind the champion, while Khwela, who was bidding to become the first black paddler to win the individual title, had to settle for third after posting 8:03.47.
With Kime still 23 and Khwela only 26, Birkett felt the future was bright for rowing in South Africa.
“It’s great for the sport and for the country that we’re all youngsters,” he added.
“I’m pretty scared at the fact that I’m going to be racing against these guys for the next five to 10 years, because they’re really tough athletes, they’re stubborn and they never give up.” – Sapa