South Africa's Fenn and Hockly triumph in mixed surfski double world championship

Fenn and Hockly Secure Home Gold at World Championships

Matthew Fenn and Saskia Johanna Hockly brought glory to host nation South Africa, clinching a gold medal in a captivating day of mixed surfski double racing at the ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships in Durban. Building on their world bronze from the previous year, the South African pair showcased their strength on their home turf, quickly taking command and ultimately prevailing in the mixed SS2 event. Their impressive finish in 1:51:16 captivated the local crowd, sealing a memorable victory.

Champions Reflect on Challenging Race

Matthew Fenn shared his excitement, stating, "It was truly enjoyable. We faced a demanding race out there; the ocean presented us with all kinds of conditions, and we successfully navigated them, so we are extremely pleased. To see everyone on the beach and to return home as a South African to claim a world title here is absolutely incredible."

Silver and Bronze Medalists

France's Thais Delrieux and Hector Henot secured the silver medal, finishing with a time of 1:53:34. The battle for the final podium spot was particularly intense. Spain's Walter Bouzan and Judit Verges Xifra, the reigning 2023 world champions, appeared set for bronze but experienced an unfortunate capsize near the finish line. This incident opened the door for fellow South Africans Jenna Nisbet and Hamish Lovemore. Despite the Spanish duo's commendable recovery efforts, Nisbet and Lovemore capitalized on the opportunity, seizing the bronze medal in 1:56:56.

Praise for Event Organization

Saskia Hockly also expressed her appreciation for the event's organizers: "I believe PaddleSport South Africa and the ICF have done an outstanding job hosting these World Championships. Witnessing so many international participants travel to the southernmost tip of Africa is genuinely special. It's wonderful to be able to share our unique conditions with the global paddling community...

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