Jordan Klopper: South Africa's rising star in canoeing
Image: Supplied
As the world of competitive canoeing prepares for the 2025 International Canoeing Federation's (ICF) Junior and U23 Canoe Sprint World Championships, one young athlete stands out among the seasoned competitors. Jordan Klopper, an 18-year-old first-year BCom student at the University of Cape Town (UCT), is set to make waves as he represents South Africa for the sixth time on the international stage. Scheduled for 23-27 July 2025 in Portugal, the championships promise to be a thrilling contest, particularly as Klopper enters this new age category knowing he will compete against more experienced paddlers.
'This year I'm in a new age group (U23); and I'm quite young, as I'm only 18, and will be racing against guys much older than me,' Klopper shared. Despite the challenges, his mindset is refreshingly optimistic. 'I know they'll be very strong because the European competition is fierce; but going in, I have nothing to lose and everything to gain.'
Having embarked on his canoeing journey nine years ago, when he was just ten years old, Klopper's passion was sparked by a friend who shared tales of their training routines. 'I remember going to my parents and asking if I could give it a try – and ever since then, I haven't looked back,' he recalls of those early days.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Ad loading
His journey into representing South Africa started back in 2021 when he was only in grade nine. With a drive to compete at an elite level, Klopper travelled to KwaZulu-Natal for trials, seizing what he dubbed a 'brilliant opportunity' to represent his country internationally. At the trials, he came away victorious in both the K2 500m and 200m events, achieving a commendable second in the K1 500m and 200m, alongside a second in the K1 5,000m category. 'I was chuffed about that," he said, reflecting on his successful debut year
As he prepares for the upcoming championships, Klopper will compete in both the 200m and 500m K1 events, which require a combination of explosive energy, power, and refined technique. 'Sport has both the physical and the mental aspect, which is just as big. So, as I think about my 500m, I know it's going to burn; I know it's going to hurt. But you learn to enjoy that, and to be very efficient by pacing yourself,' he explained, illustrating the intense physical demands of his sport.
Support from his family has played a crucial role in Klopper's journey. 'They've given me the opportunity to go overseas and race. They are the backbone of this success,' he acknowledged, emphasising the importance of their encouragement throughout his ascent in the sport.
Though the transition to university life has been significant, Klopper remains dedicated to his first love of canoeing. 'UCT has been an adjustment and a half. Moving out of home has been big, and a challenge; however, it's one I've been willing to face. I've really enjoyed the student life at UCT. It's an amazing institution with lots of opportunities, and I've enjoyed my experience so far,' he says, balancing his academic pursuits with his athletic aspirations.
With athletic spirit and youthful determination, Jordan Klopper is set to become a name to watch as he steps into the competitive arena in Portugal. As the UCT student faces seasoned paddlers head-on, fans of canoeing will undoubtedly root for this rising star from South Africa, eager to witness how his journey unfolds.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
21 hours ago
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs wonderkid on AmaZulu's radar
Kaizer Chiefs' young talent Manqoba Ozoemena is being eyed by AmaZulu FC, as former Amakhosi coach Arthur Zwane looks to reunite with the versatile player he once mentored at Naturena. With Kaizer Chiefs currently deep into their pre-season preparations in the Netherlands, five DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) players joined the senior squad for the European tour. Among them, 20-year-old Ozoemena has stood out, attracting serious attention from AmaZulu's technical team. Sources close to both clubs have confirmed that AmaZulu have officially expressed interest in securing Ozoemena's services for the upcoming season. Head coach Arthur Zwane, who previously worked with the player at Chiefs, has reportedly endorsed the move. 'It's believed that the AmaZulu FC technical team has proposed to management about Manqoba (Ozoemena). Coach Arthur (Zwane) knows him very well and he believes that the player can help the team this season as they compete in the MTN8 and the other tournaments as well,' said a source familiar with the negotiations. Zwane's belief in Ozoemena's ability seems to be a key driver behind AmaZulu's pursuit, with the coach confident the youngster can contribute immediately in multiple competitions. AmaZulu's interest in Ozoemena forms part of a wider recruitment strategy ahead of the 2025/2026 season. Another insider revealed that Usuthu have already signed several players and remain active in the market. 'At the moment there are about three or four players already believed to have been signed. And the club is still looking at reinforcing the squad and that's why they have enquired about Manqoba Ozoemena,' the source revealed. This proactive transfer approach highlights AmaZulu's ambitions under Zwane. With a clear focus on building a squad capable of challenging across all fronts. Ozoemena, a Soweto-born right-sided dynamo who can slot in at both right-back and right wing. And has trained with the Amakhosi first team since last season. He travelled with the senior squad to the Netherlands. Hoping to convince new head coach Nasreddine Nabi of his readiness for top-flight football. Whether Nabi chooses to retain the promising 20-year-old or allow him to gain experience elsewhere remains a critical decision for Chiefs' development plans. Kaizer Chiefs fans will now wait anxiously to see if the club holds on to one of their brightest academy graduates. Or if Ozoemena makes the switch to KwaZulu-Natal to reunite with Zwane at AmaZulu. Will AmaZulu be a good place for the Kaizer Chiefs young star? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
a day ago
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs starting XI with FIVE new signings?
Kaizer Chiefs have reinforced their squad with a handful of new faces. Are they closer to mounting a title tilt? Let's take a look. Thabiso Monyane and Paseka Mako bring ready-made PSL experience and defensive acumen, while Siphesihle Ndlovu is a seasoned campaigner at this level. Playmaker Ethan Chislett, striker Flavio Silva and left-back Nkanyiso Shinga arrive from foreign clubs. BURNT BRIDGES: REAL reason why Kaizer Chiefs fumbled Appollis Bvuma; Monyane, Miguel, Dortley, Shinga; Ndlovu, Cele; Lilepo, Chislett, Mako; Du Preez. This system would see Mako used in a more advanced role down the left-hand side. What's painfully obvious, still, is that Chiefs need a conventional striker. Tashreeq Morris isn't the long-term solution, while Ashley Du Preez prefers operating in the wide areas. New boy Flavio Silva has attracted some criticism after his performances in pre-season. Pitso Mosimane's son heads to Italy Kaizer Chiefs' new signing Flavio Silva. Image: @KaizerChiefs/X At 20 years old, Relebohile Mofokeng is the jewel in the Orlando Pirates crown. There's talk that the Sea Robbers will listen to offers of R32 million for the winger. Make no mistake, Rele Mofokeng is a brilliant player, potentially the South African with the highest ceiling. What message does this send to European clubs wanting to smuggle South African talent if Mofokeng signs for a team in Spain, Italy, France or Germany and then gets sold for roughly five times that number? OFFICIAL: Orlando Pirates announce surprise winger signing Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
eNCA
a day ago
- eNCA
Sweden flying under Euros radar ahead of England clash, says Asllani
Kosovare Asllani said Wednesday that Sweden should be getting more attention for their performances at the Women's Euro 2025 as the Scandinavians prepare for a blockbuster quarter-final against England. Spain, France and England have dominated headlines in Switzerland but Sweden swept into the last eight with three powerful displays, including a thumping of Germany, on their way to winning Group C with a perfect nine points. "I feel like Sweden are always flying under the radar, I would say," attacking midfielder Asllani told reporters. "And it is something that kind of suits us because obviously we think that we are one of the best teams in the world due to the results we have been doing the last few years from the tournaments. But people rarely speak about us as someone that can win the gold. "We know we can beat any team in the world when we have our best day. We don't think about it too much but I think people should talk about us more." Unbeaten in a year, Sweden take on England, who finished second in Group D, in Zurich on Thursday with memories still fresh of a 4-0 defeat to the Lionesses at the last Euros three years ago. But Asllani said that she and her teammates are focussing on two recent draws with the reigning European champions as they hunt a first major honour since winning the first official Euros way back in 1984. "We have incredible belief in one another and the entire team. We do play very intense and physical football and since (coach) Peter (Gerhardsson) took over that has developed," added Asllani. "We have developed enormously over last few years. We have players at major clubs, and then you came here and you mesh it all together. We are a very hungry team and want success." She said she believed the tournament begins in earnest with the quarter-finals. "It feels like a tournament really gets going when the group stage is over," said Asllani. "We have experience of these kinds of matches, and the fun sort of starts now... when you test your mettle against the best teams." Lucy Bronze, who plays her club football at Chelsea with Sweden's Johanna Rytting Kaneryd and Nathalie Bjorn, said that England were also relishing the chance to play in the knockout stage. "I think it's the kind of game that both teams want. Any top player in the world wants to be playing in the big games," said Bronze. "For me it's probably the most exciting quarter-final because the teams are so full of confidence and quality. "These are exciting times. All the girls today in training are really up for the game tomorrow. Really excited for what tomorrow is going to bring."
