South Africa and Senegal enjoyed standout campaigns at the African Canoe Slalom Championships in Underberg, each boosted by double-gold performances from Waris Mills and Jean Pierre Bourhis.
Mills delivered an impressive showing for South Africa, claiming two titles at the event. She opened her account in the women’s kayak, powering across the line in 92.00 to hold off compatriots Emmi Wood and Hannah Trower.
The South African completed her golden double through a victory in the women’s kayak cross, posting a commanding 67.03 to finish ahead of Wood and Trower once again.
Senegal’s Bourhis matched that feat with an impressive pair of victories of his own. He first struck gold in the men’s kayak cross, clocking 64.59 to edge Kenya’s Arno Atreiu Reblin in 64.59, and home paddler Scott Humphry in 67.94.
Bourhis carried his momentum into the men’s canoe, where his winning time of 74.82 proved too strong for Mauritius’ Terence Saramandif and South Africa’s Cyprian Ngidi.
South Africa’s medal haul was further strengthened in the men’s K1, as Iain Rennie secured gold in 89.24, finishing ahead of rising talent James Gotte and Kenya’s Reblin to cap off a highly successful championships for the hosts.
Junior paddlers also featured at the African Canoe Slalom Championships, with South Africa enjoying another dominant showing across the age-group events.
Gotte emerged as one of the standout performers after claiming two gold medals. He opened his campaign by winning the men’s junior kayak cross in 69.19, before completing his double in the men’s junior K1.
He led a South African clean sweep on the K1 podium, finishing in 89.51, 7.47 seconds ahead of second-placed compatriot David Dent.
Trower also tasted success in the junior categories, securing two titles. She claimed gold in the women’s junior kayak cross with a time of 75.15, before returning to the top step of the podium in the women’s junior K1.
She produced one of the most commanding performances of the event, winning in 103.21 and finishing 35.86 seconds ahead of Namibia’s Marzel Boshoff – the largest margin of victory recorded during the championships.
Kenya’s Reblin rounded out the junior action by rebounding from earlier disappointment to claim gold in the men’s U23 men’s kayak, posting a winning time of 91.93.
