The beautiful backdrop of Tahiti saw some of the top paddlers in the world assemble for the women’s start in the 2nd ICF Ocean Racing World Championships. The mass start was a sight to behold as the athletes set off on their 30 km trek to the finish line. Even the humpback whales breaching alongside the athletes added to the occasion.
Teneale Hatton (NZL) set off at a cracking pace and was the first to pass the ‘hot spot’. She headed a small group of 4 out into large swells and great downwind surfing conditions. Michelle Eray (USA) showed her expertise in open water by taking the lead after the 3 km mark. She led into the last kilometre, where Hatton made a decisive move and overtook a tiring Eray to take the World Championship title. Eray finished a deserved second. Rachel Clarke (NZL) used a different strategy to the leading two, by going wide into open ocean trying to use greater waves to surf on. It proved relatively successful as it brought her home in the bronze medal position.
Eray reflected after the race ‘It was great conditions out there, I knew that I needed more than a two minute cushion over Teneale going into the calmer water before the finish line if I was going to beat Teneale. I just have not trained enough this last year on the Ocean”.
In the Under 23’s competition Jenna Ward (RSA) put in a great performance to lead this category and come in as World Champion. She had a lead of three minutes over Georgia Laird (AUS) who finished with a silver medal. Third place went to Jamie Brinkworth (AUS).
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