Germany’s Gordan Harbrecht has made history by becoming the first European paddler to win men’s surfski gold at the International Canoe Federation Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships on the island of Madeira, Portugal.
The men’s SS1 had only previously been won by paddlers from South Africa and Australia since the first edition of the World Championships in 2013.
Harbrecht broke the South Africa-Australia duopoly with a stunning performance on the Madeira waters.
The German, whose previous best result was a silver medal in 2021, swept to victory in a time of 1:27:31.69.
“I am stoked,” said Harbrecht.
“I had a race plan, went for it and I am so happy with the outcome.
“It was super tough race.
“There was a very nice downwind for the first half and then the second half it was just pushing against the wind.
“It wasn’t nice, but I just followed my plan and I am super stoked with the result.
“I have had some good results in the last few years.
“I was on the podium in 2021 but some of the best guys were missing due to COVID.
“I am super happy to win the title, I couldn’t have asked for more.”
Australia’s Cory Hill, the defending champion who was aiming to win the event for a record-extending fourth time, crossed in 1:28:24.62 for silver.
“It was a really tricky out there,” said Hill.
“We had a lot of wind behind us and then it was right in our face.
“At the end there, Gordan showed how strong he was.
“He was unbeatable today, it was scary to see how fast he was paddling.”
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South Africa’s Hank McGregory, the 46-year-old Canoe Marathon legend, secured his third Canoe Ocean Racing world medal of his glittering career with bronze in 01:28:34.35.
There was a one-two for South Africa in the women’s surfski with Michelle Burn getting the better of compatriot Melanie van Niekerk to take the title.
Burn finished in 1:44.01.56 to become world champion for a second time following her last success in 2021.
“I am very tired as this was probably one of the toughest races in terms of conditions that I have ever done before,” said Burn.
“We had a current against us and we had a headwind so it was very tough.
“It just got harder and harder.”
Van Niekerk crossed in 1:45:16.84 for silver, while Spain’s Judit Verges sealed bronze with a time of 1:47:31.57.
Competition is due to conclude on Saturday with paddlers poised to fight for the mixed surfski double crown.
For the results and competition schedule, click here.
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