Positive results for paddlers

BENDIGO paddlers enjoyed a successful Victorian Sprint Canoeing Championships at Lake Nagambie last weekend.

“Despite the challenges of COVID and weeds in Lake Weeroona, the Bendigo paddlers persevered and worked hard to prepare for last weekend,” said Tony Mission, Bendigo Canoe Club secretary.

“It’s a small team with plenty of talent and certainly produced some great races at Nagambie, picking up 16 medals and many personal bests.”

Fourteen-year-old paddler Sophie Hughes was a standout of the event, winning six gold medals including four in singles and two in pairs with Milla Tzaros.

Hughes clocked a time of 52.58 seconds in the women’s 18 and Under K1 200 metres.

Another highlight was veteran Lyndell Willcocks who won gold in the 55 and Over K1 200, 500 and 2500 metres.

“Lyndell Willcocks has worked tirelessly to improve her times and she is close to getting back to her best times set some 25 years ago,” Misson said.

“On the weekend she won all her three events and was faster than girls 20 years her junior.”

Younger paddler Tobias Sexton showed his potential, winning silver and bronze in the 14 and under K1 200 and 500 metres at his first state sprint titles.

Under 18s paddlers Sam Wardrop, Henry Livingstone and Govind Gopal also impressed.

“They were paddling against Victoria’s top juniors who were preparing for the national titles,” Misson said.

“Govind and Henry paddled well to finish mid-field [in the 200-metre K2], while Sam had a great race to finish with a bronze in his pet event, the 200-metre K1.”

Junior paddlers will now turn their attention to the Victorian Schools Championships on 20 March, while Willcocks will defend her 2021 Victorian Marathon title on 27 March with Hughes also competing.