Veteran paddler Nigel Tatham targets his twentieth FNB Dusi

Tatham's Dusi Journey and Elusive Gold

Nigel Tatham, a Pietermaritzburg local, is preparing for his twentieth FNB Dusi Canoe Marathon in 2016. Though his career boasts numerous silver medals, the coveted gold has always eluded him. In his competitive youth, Tatham aimed for a top-ten finish, which would have secured a gold. He recalled that a silver medal was awarded for positions eleventh through twentieth, and he estimates earning ten such medals, including a personal best of twelfth place. While pursuing gold with K2 partners, a trouble-free race proved elusive; his best results consistently came in K1 events.

Close Calls and a Broader Perspective

Tatham recalls several near-misses for gold, believing his best opportunity arose in the late 1980s. "My closest attempt was likely in 1989," he recounted, "reaching the flat water near Durban in ninth, but I couldn't hold off strong paddlers." He also noted, "I always considered myself more proficient as a runner than a paddler." Despite narrowly missing the coveted gold, Tatham embraced the experience, valuing participation over the ultimate prize. He reflected, "I never truly fixated on the medals... Ultimately, I considered the medal itself to be quite insignificant."

Brotherly Rivalry and Shared Passion

For the 2016 race, Tatham will paddle with his brother Doug, who has completed 27 Dusis and also never won gold. "Doug convinced me to return from retirement two years ago," Tatham shared, "and I've enjoyed the social aspect since." Doug boasts more Dusi completions, with 2016 marking his 28th, and his best finish also twelfth. A friendly rivalry existed, particularly in K2s. Tatham recalled a K1 race where they finished daily within seconds; on the final day, Doug, after towing him and Keith Ellerker, got stuck on a sandbank near the finish, allowing them to win.

The Enduring Allure of the Dusi

The "Dusi Fever" captivated Tatham decades ago and, despite a brief retirement, continues...

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