The 2024 ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships unfolded in the stunning city of Metković, Croatia, kicking off with the Masters division. South Africa was represented by 30 competitors among 25 countries, finishing second in numbers only to Spain but leading the way with an impressive 18 medals (9 Gold, 4 Silver, 5 Bronze). With a strong showing from the Dabs contingent, some of the SA Masters also celebrated their victories at the after-party.
Graham Monteith demonstrated his skill, taking Gold in the fiercely contested 65-69 K1 race, while Gustav Radlov secured Bronze in the 55-59 category. In the 45-49 race, Ricci Talevi earned Silver, and MJ Robb claimed Silver in the 35-39 event, with Rob Crichton narrowly missing out on Bronze. Among the South African women, Pippa McGregor won Silver in the 35-39 category, and Bridgette Hartley took Gold in the 40-44 event.
In the K2 races, South Africa dominated the podiums. Nigel Briggs and Pete O’Connor won Gold in the 70-74 category, while Linton Hope and Bruce Wenke claimed Gold in the 65-69 race. Brad Fish and Gustav Radlov took Gold in the 55-59 category, and Mike Stewart and Pieter Engelbrecht won Gold in the 50-54 event. MJ Robb and Rob Crichton also secured Gold in the 35-39 race. Hank and Pippa McGregor led the Mixed Doubles from the start but incurred a penalty due to an extra portage, finishing 15 minutes behind the winners, Ricci and Bridgette. Afterward, the ICF acknowledged communication issues regarding the course changes, awarding Hank and Pippa a joint Gold alongside Ricci and Bridgette.
Additional podium finishes for South Africa included Alex Roberts and Hein van Rooyen, who took Silver in the 40-44 event, and Mark Garden and Mat Ballenden, who won Bronze in the 45-49 category, just ahead of Marco Magni and Vern Vogt. Pierre van der Merwe and Theo Smit also earned Bronze in the 65-69 category.
In total, 21 out of 30 Masters in Metković won medals, with several athletes bringing home multiple awards—fantastic achievements!
Beyond the medals, special awards went to:
- Hank & Pippa for their remarkable commitment to going the extra mile.
- MJ & Rob for creatively trying to reverse back after missing a buoy instead of taking a quick penalty.
- Woody for organizing three different K2 partners, only to drop out altogether – although, in his defense, his heart isn’t what it used to be.
- E3 for her infectious energy and emotional support, especially when MJ won (tears were noted).
- Matt for sporting a tracksuit eight sizes too small on the podium.
- Rob for his entertaining (but questionable) dance moves on the podium.
- Renschi & E3 for unwittingly running into Bosnia without the proper documentation.
- Fish for getting lost and spending the night by the river.
Does Fish ever go on tour without a memorable story?
Don’t miss our Juniors, U23s, and Seniors! From Dabs, Theo, Clint, and Christie is representing Team SA, along with many others who have the potential to shine on the podium. Go South Africa!