2023 ICF Canoe Marathon. Hot on the heels of Camps Bay High School’s Holly Smith’s incredible performance where along with her K2 partner, Georgia Singe, she was declared the K2 Junior Women’s World Champion at the 2023 ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships, the Camps Bay High School boys, Jared Shrimpton and Ryley Smith, also proved age is just a number. These two Grade 9 paddlers from Camps Bay High School took on the world’s best in the Junior (U18) K2 Canoe Marathon. They also left their mark as the youngest competitors at a mere 15 years old.
Out of a fiercely competitive field of 23 boats, the Camps Bay High boys also showcased their incredible talent and determination by finishing an impressive 11th place finish. Facing off against more experienced paddlers, they showed the world that they’re a force to be reckoned with. The race was nothing short of intense, with non-stop battles from start to finish. It also takes sheer bravery for two 15-year-olds to hold their own with the front-runners.
Jared and Ryley’s time
With a mere 3 minutes separating the Argentinian team’s winning time of 1.31.13.37 and Jared and Ryley’s time of 1.34.28.59, their achievement becomes even more remarkable. Competing among Junior (U18) competitors as the youngest in the race, Jared and Ryley’s performance underscores their potential as future champions in the sport.
Said Camps Bay High School’s Head of Sport, Busi Ngcwama, “The Canoe Marathon is a true test of paddlers’ tactics, endurance, and athleticism, and our students demonstrated their readiness to face the best of the best on the world stage. They represented South Africa with pride and determination, proving that age is no barrier to success when passion and dedication drive you forward. We couldn’t be prouder of our young paddlers, and we’re excited to watch them continue to shine in the years to come.”
We also extend our congratulations to the more experienced South African team, Bruno Cochrane and Luke Salmon, for their impressive fourth-place finish, adding to the pride of South African paddling.
Concluded Ngcwama, “Camps Bay High School is immensely proud of Jared Shrimpton and Ryley Smith’s achievements at the 2023 ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships. Their dedication, spirit, and remarkable performance also serve as an inspiration to our entire school community. “
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