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 McGregor, the 46-year-old Canoe Marathon legend, added another Canoe Ocean Racing world medal in his glittering career with bronze in 01:28:34.35.
There was a one-two for South Africa in the women’s surfski with Kira Bester getting the better of compatriot Michelle Burn to take the overall title as well as the under-23 crown.
"I am over the moon," said Bester, who clocked an overall winning time of 1:43:39.79.
"It's a dream come true.
"It's been my dream for the past four years and to now achieve it, I can't tell you in words how it feels."
Burn crossed in 1:44.01.56 for silver, while Katriana Swetish of the United States sealed overall bronze with a time of 1:45:16.51.
“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.”
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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