SA Lifesaving Champs. Camps Bay High School’s Grade 9 learner, Holly Smith, was incredibly active over the school holidays. First she was a participant at the South African Surf Lifesaving Champs held in Gqeberha and then racing the Fish River Canoe Marathon in Cradock.

At the SA Surf Lifesaving Champs, Holly obtained the gold medal for surf ski and malibu board in her age group. She also received a bronze medal with her partner in the U19 age group for double surf ski.

After her success at SA Surf Lifesaving Champs, Holly, together with her doubles partner, 26 year old Candice Murray from the Orka Squad, went on to race the Fish River Canoe Marathon.

The Fish River Canoe Marathon is held over two days over a 81.8km stretch with 26 cubics of proper running water. Arguably this is the biggest white water in South Africa, with big rapids and 3 metre weir drops.

Holly and Candice were in contention for the SA Women’s K2 title. After a few unfortunate swims in the white water, they finished in a very respectable 4th place. They were just behind the senior girls who had just returned from the World Marathon Champs in Romania.

Said Camps Bay High School’s Head of Sport, Ms Busi Ngcwama, “Holly just continues to amaze us with her incredible sporting achievements! She trained incredibly hard for both the SA Surf Lifesaving Champs and the Fish River Marathon. She put in many hours of hard training to achieve these incredible results. Her commitment and dedication is truly inspiring.

Well done, Holly – we couldn’t be prouder!”