South African Prodigy Holly Smith Conquers Australian Waters Ahead of World Championships

Holly Smith, a Grade 11 learner from Camps Bay High School and Hout Bay resident, is making waves internationally with her remarkable prowess in canoe racing. Holly's triumph at the Shaw and Partners WA Race Week in Perth, Australia, has put the spotlight on her as a key competitor in the upcoming 2023 ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships.

At the Shaw and Partners WA Race Week, Holly faced a highly skilled pool of over 400 participants. Her exceptional performance earned her multiple distinguished titles. Among these were the ‘Overall Shaw and Partners Junior Girls Race Week Champion,’ ‘Shaw and Partners Doctor Champion,’ and ‘The Fenn West Coast Downwinder Champion.’

This Race Week, pivotal in the ocean racing calendar, features various events that test the limits of athletes. Holly, undeterred by the challenging conditions, secured a remarkable victory in the Junior Girls Ski category of the Fenn West Coast Downwinder. She completed the demanding 26-kilometre course with a stellar time of 01:40:49.2, showcasing her unparalleled abilities.

The Shaw and Partners Doctor, known for its gruelling conditions, pushed Holly to exhibit her tenacity once again. The 27-kilometre Surfski race stretches from Rottnest Island to Sorrento Beach, and Holly overcame the heat and testing wind conditions to finish first in the Junior Ski Category with an impressive time of 02:13:33.1.

Busi Ngcwama, the Head of Sport at Camps Bay High School, praised Holly for her perseverance, noting how she overcame physical challenges such as blister-covered hands to secure her titles. Her performance not only exemplified her dedication but also placed her among the top competitors in the realm of international canoe ocean racing.

As Holly sets sight on the 2023 ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships, she carries the momentum from her accomplishments and the support of her community. Having previously won the World Champion K2 ICF Canoe Marathon title, Holly represents a formidable contender for South Africa.

As she prepares for the global stage starting on November 30, her school and fellow South Africans eagerly anticipate her performance. Holly continues to cement her status as a sporting icon, inspiring many with her commitment and achievements in a challenging sport.

Her journey from the shores of Hout Bay to the waters of Western Australia embodies the spirit of excellence and determination that marks a true champion. Holly Smith's story is not only about personal victory but also about the potential of South African youth to excel on the world stage.