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The Citizen

Blairgowrie-based paddler sprints to gold medals

After an impeccable performance at the South African Sprint Championships at Roodeplaat Dam in Pretoria, Blairgowrie based paddler Daniel van Eeden has been awarded with national team Colours. Read more: Randburg paddlers score at 2025 Canoe Polo South African Championships Daniel took home seven medals, three golds, three bronze, and one silver. He participated in the K1 section, as well as the K2 section, with partner Josh Worthman. The young paddler has been selected to represent South Africa at the Olympic Hopes Competition, in the Czech Republic from September18–21. He explained that the champs were wet, cold, and rainy, and that Roodeplaat Dam's water was green and slimy. 'This year's competition was no joke. There were great times from all the competitors. I am happy with my overall performance, and my medals, despite a nasty asthma attack in my K1 1000m final. The preparations were tough. I came into champs much stronger than previous years.' Daniel is hoping to make the K2 1000m finals at the Olympics Hopes Competition, and is planning on training during the July holidays with his partner. Also read: Local children enjoy paddling lessons at Florida Lake Canoe Club He said that this will be their biggest preparation. 'Unfortunately, what makes it difficult to train, is that we live in different provinces as he's based in KwaZulu-Natal, but we will be training every other weekend until we leave for the Olympic Hope Competition. 'It's always a privilege to represent South Africa, regardless of the outcome. I'm also keen to put together a K4 crew for the 500m. I also look forward to touring Prague after the races, which is going to be fun.' Daniel achieved the following at the South African Sprint Championships at Roodeplaat Dam: K1 section: 5000m – Silver 1000m – Bronze 500m – Bronze 200m – Bronze K2 section: 1000m – Gold 500m – Gold 200m – Gold Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! Related article: Local canoeist called up for the Olympic Hopes At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!