Hank McGregor awarded ‘Africa’s Paddler of the Year’

Hank is awarded Africa’s Paddler of the Year Award Photo: Supplied

PIETERMARITZBURG, 5 APRIL 2016 – Jeep Team’s canoe king, Hank McGregor, was named the African Canoe Federation’s Men’s Paddler of the Year for 2015 at a gala awards dinner in Hillcrest on Sunday evening (3 April). The award was based on McGregor’s impressive achievements in 2015.

Said McGregor, “It is a great honour to receive this award and be recognized on a continental level, especially coming off the back of winning the Paddler of the Year title at the World Paddle Awards last year. It’s a proud moment for me and hopefully it helps my paddling peers, especially the youth, aspire to do their best and also realise that if they are willing to put in the hard work then the results and accolades will come.”

In 2015, McGregor proved unbeatable, winning numerous international and national titles across different paddling disciplines that included surfski, flat water and river canoe marathon, and canoe sprints.

Notable achievements included claiming his sixth World title at the 2015 ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships in Hungary, winning the Maui Jim Molokai World Surfski Challenge in Hawaii, and successfully defending his K2 national title at the South African Flatwater Canoe Marathon Championships.

Last year, McGregor also became the first person to win the 240km Berg River Canoe Marathon for a record tenth time. He was also named the World Paddle Awards’ ‘Sportsman of the Year’ and KwaZulu-Natal Sportsman of the Year.

South Africa’s Bridgitte Hartley was named the 2015 African Canoe Federation’s Women’s Paddler of the Year.

Other Jeep Team results

Multisport

From 31 March – 3 April, Jeep Team’s young multisport superstar, Mikaela Jonsson (18), was in Gauteng competing in Athletics South Africa’s Sub-youth, Junior and U23 Championships, which took place at the Germiston Stadium in Johannesburg.

Jonsson competed in the Junior 5000m track event, finishing 8^th amongst South Africa’s top athletes.

Said Jonsson, “This was my third time ever competing in the 5000m track event. Unfortunately, I had no legs on the day, resulting in a slow time for me. But I’m still happy with my 8^th place in the country, especially considering I’m new to the 5000m.”

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