Australia’s Cory Hill continues to scale new heights as he captured his record-extending fourth men’s surfski single crown at the International Canoe Federation Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships in Durban, South Africa.
There was also joy for hosts South Africa as Kira Bester successfully defended her women’s SS1 title after overcoming New Zealand’s Danielle Richards in an absorbing race.
It was a fantastic final day of Canoe Ocean Racing in Durban culminating in impressive victories for Hill and Bester.
After falling short to Germany’s Gordan Harbrecht in Madeira, Portugal last year, Hill ensured he returned to the top of the podium.
Hill produced a masterclass in surfski paddling, overhauling the field before pulling away to win in a time of 2:05.22.
His success in Durban adds to his other world titles achieved in 2015, 2017 and 2023.
“I never have had the opportunity to race here in the past so to come out here on the big stage at the ‘Home of Surfski’ and perform is massive,” said Hill.
“I know my wife and kids and my mum and dad were back home in Australia watching the live stream and getting really excited and nervous.
“My game plan all came to fruition today. I wanted to take it out, be comfortable, finish strong and the current winds were in our favour so I’m really ecstatic to come away with this result.”
There was no golden glory for Europe on this occasion but France and Portugal celebrated medal success in the men’s SS1.
France’s Pierre Vilella earned silver in 2:06:05, with Portugal’s Bernardo Pereira bagging bronze in 2:06:15.
Nicolas Notten was the top ranked South Africa in fourth with 2:06:26, while defending champion Harbrecht was fifth in 2:06:38.
Bester backed up her stunning showing to win gold in Madeira in 2024 to emerge victorious again.
The pressure was on Bester to produced her brilliant best on home waters and she did so with a superb performance.
Bester battled hard to overcome 2019 world champion Richards to triumph in 2:22:46.
The 23-year-old paid tribute to her coach and mentor Peter Cole who tragically passed away earlier this year.
"Peter was my coach, but he was more than just a coach to his training squad," said Bester.
"The squad was like a family and he built that family, so yeah, he was like a father to us. He was definitely my mentor and he will always be for the rest of my life. His ethos is in every single one of his athletes."
Richards crossed the finish line in 2:23:09 for silver, with Great Britain’s Rosemary Edwards securing bronze in 2:28:17.
Results
Men’s SS1
- Cory HILL (AUS) 2:05:22
- Pierre VILELLA (FRA) 2:06:05
- Bernardo PEREIRA (POR) 2:06:15
Women’s SS1
- Kira BESTER (RSA) 2:22:46
- Danielle RICHARDS (NZL) 2:23:09
- Rosemary EDWARDS (GBR) 2:28:17
Full coverage of the ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships can be viewed on the Planet Canoe YouTube channel.
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