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Young South African paddler Kira Bester has claimed the overall World Champion title at the recently completed ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships in Madeira, Portugal.
The 22-year-old finished the gruelling 21km race from Machicho to Funchal in a time of 1:43:39.79, securing victory by 22 seconds over fellow South African Michelle Burn, with Ana Swetish from the USA finishing third overall.
“The competition was fierce, with most of the world’s top ocean racing athletes participating.
“Bester’s impressive endurance and determination helped her keep her lead, crossing the finish line in first place and cementing her position as the best in the world,” according to a statement.
Burn finished with a time of 1:44:01.56, while Swetish, another under-23 competitor, secured her podium place with a time of 1:45:15.21.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling to be crowned the overall world champion.
“To represent South Africa and bring home this title is a dream come true. I couldn’t have done it without the support of my team and the incredible encouragement from back home,” Bester said in the statement.
