Sky’s the limit for SA canoeing

Having led the national team to an eight-medal haul at the Canoe Marathon World Championships on home soil, veteran powerhouse Hank McGregor (above) hopes the squad’s exploits will help raise the profile of the sport.

The 39-year-old paddler lifted his career tally to 10 global titles, racing to two gold medals in Pietermaritzburg at the weekend.

He carried the SA team to second place in the final table behind Hungary, with two gold, three silver and three bronze medals.

“The South African public always knew that we were good, but to watch it happen first-hand will hopefully encourage people to get into paddling,” McGregor said.

“I think that somewhere along the line someone has been inspired to pick up a pair of paddles and give it a go.”

McGregor earned his seventh K1 title on Saturday and lifted his third crown in four years with compatriot Jasper Mocke in the men’s K2 race on Sunday’s final day of competition.

“I was never going for anything like this and to even win one world title is something special, but to win 10 is incredible,” McGregor said. “To win it here in front of the home fans with Jasper was special, and it rounded off a fantastic week for me with my family here.”

Andy Birkett secured two medals for the second year in a row, again taking silver in the singles boat and joining teenager Jean van der Westhuyzen in grabbing K2 bronze.