South Africans dominated at the recent ICF Ocean Racing World Championships held in Hong Kong at the weekend.
Durban’s Hayley Nixon became South Africa's newest world champion when she conquered tough conditions and a very strong field to win the championships on a day that saw Team SA scoop five medals.
Canoeing South Africa said in a statement that Nixon had led home a team charge in Hong Kong and came fourth in the top six senior women, won a silver in the Under 23 women and two junior medals, with Danville Park Girls' High School student Sabina Lawrie becoming the new junior world champion.
Nixon, who has a rowing and surf ski background, came to canoeing after realising her lifelong dream of becoming a world champion, when she won the Surfski World Series title in 2016.
After reaching the finish line Nixon and upon hearing that she had won the World Champion title said: "I’ve been waiting to hear that all my life. It just feels like I have ticked this massive box!”
“I couldn’t be more proud. I’ve finished next to a previous world champion (in New Zealand's Teneale Hatton), and Michelle Burn, who was almost a world champion. I couldn’t be prouder, but I’m exhausted.”
eManzimtoti downwind star Michele Burn claimed a silver medal for South Africa. Fellow South African Zara Wood claimed a bronze medal.
Team SA scooped a fifth medal when Durbanite Kyeta Purchase finished second in the Under 23 race won by Swede Linnea Stensils.