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Spanish paddlers Judit Verges Xifra – Walter Bouzan, European Championships medallists, wrote history at the 2024 ICF Ocean Racing World Championships in Western Australia after producing the fastest time of the day in mixed SS2 event (59:02,6). While the SS2 races were held also in the past, it was the first time the event was official World Championships event- Spanish paddlers were the best in a competition of more than 60 crews. Australians Mackenzie Hynard and Jemma Smith were second, while Kira Bester – Mark Keeling (RSA) claimed bronze medal.

 

“We are really happy – we knew that we had a strong boat but we didn’t expect to win. We came here to fight for the medals but we didn’t expect the gold medal. Here in Australia, their knowledge is really strong, they grew up with these conditions, and grew up in the sea. Being here, and fighting with them, is such an amazing experience. It was a really good experience, for learning and for seeing different seas…for me it was a good experience and I learnt a lot,” Verges Xifra said.

 

The second fastest time of the day overall was set by Australians Patrick Eley and Jasmine Locke who took the World title in U23 age group. In this event, Spanish representatives Sara Mengual and Jorge Enriquez were second and French duo Claire Dewaste – Marin Lanne third.

 

Spain celebrated medal in junior SS2 race too. Lara Cellier Henriquez and Enrique Garcia Torres were second, four minutes behind winning Australian duo Alyssa Bailey – Ziko Vesely. Holly Shirley Smith and Heath Clarke (RSA) were third.

 

In individual SS1 boats majority of the medals stayed in Australia or went to South Africa, however European paddlers had some glory too. French kayaker Mathis Roudaut won the Junior World Champion title ahead of Alex Woodhouse (AUS) and Heath Clarke (RSA). Lara Cellier Henriquez (ESP) took silver medal in women’s junior event, after crossing the finish line behind Holly Shirley Smith (RSA) and ahead of Alyssa Bailey (AUS). Portuguese kayaker Bernardo Pereira won bronze medal in men’s U23 event, finishing the race behind Matthew Fenn (RSA) and Robert Ulvard Hart (RSA).

 

Men’s senior world champion title stayed in Australia thanks to Cory Hill, Joshua Fenn (RSA) was second and Oscar Jones (AUS) third, women’s senior world champion became Jemma Smith (AUS), Melanie Van Niekerk (RSA) won silver medal and Brianna Massie (AUS) bronze. Kira Bester (RSA) was the best in women’s U23 event, with Ana Swetish (USA) winning silver and Saskia Hockly (RSA) bronze medal.