Even if an athlete still feels motivated to compete, after they are 46 they are usually written off as being far over their prime and just there for statistical purposes.
There is a notable exception in the field of canoeing and surfskiing: Hank McGregor, a legendary marathon canoeist who has won several world championships, is still competitive at 46 years old, healthy, and hungry for victory.
SA Surfski Champs title in the crosshairs
McGregor already holds a number of paddling honours and championships, and from 13-14 July in Durban, he intends to add another at the South African Surfski Champs.
McGregor is eager to add another championship to his collection even though he has won the previous five SA Surfski titles, but especially because he is on home waters.
“It’s an under-statement to say I love paddling and to be able to train and prepare for the SA Champs in familiar water is a huge advantage. Our local paddlers should be able to capitalize and bring home a few titles,” he said.
Home advantage could be huge at SA Surfski Champs
Starting at the Durban Underwater Club, sheltered by Durban Harbour, the course will depend on the wind direction on the two days. A south westerly will see paddlers head north to Umdloti, a distance of 23km, while a north easterly will have participants heading south to Toti, a distance of about 27km.
“Either direction, the courses are awesome. The start allows paddlers to get out quickly into the big water and there’s the added incentive of the same venue hosting next year’s Surfski World Champs, a huge feather in Durban’s cap,” said McGregor.
World Surkski Championship albatross on the horizon
And therein lies a tale of its own. The one title McGregor has failed to secure is a World Surkski Championship accolade, despite being runner-up three times. Could next year be McGregor’s moment to add the missing jewel to his impressive crown?
“It is an honour competing in front of your home supporters. The World Marathon Champs in Pietermaritzburg a few years ago will always have a special place in my memory, and maybe I could finally cross the line first in Durban,” said McGregor. “I believe we have the best downwind courses in the world, and that accounts for the incredible talent of paddlers we have and how well they always do at international events, especially overseas.”
Besides McGregor’s passion that drives him forward year after year, there is always a deep desire to win, to remain competitive and there’s no need for motivation. It’s a love and passion for paddling that keeps McGregor fine-tuned and always at the top of his game, ready for whatever comes next.
“Even when there are no races to prepare for, I will find time to get on the water and paddle. My wife Pippa also paddles and off the water, I do trail running, diving, gym sessions and spear fishing,” said McGregor. “I cannot be idle and watch the world pass by. My mind and body is used to being healthy and that keeps me on a constant level, able to avoid sickness and remaining strong.”
The old fox keeps on winning
At his age, McGregor needs to perhaps put in that little bit more as he comes up against paddlers half his age and younger, but he has a unique bow in his quiver which keeps him on the right track.
“The competition never gets easier and these youngsters are super talented and want to upstage the old man as such. I have my Dad Lee in my corner as coach though and I find that an advantage. He is easy to talk to, discuss tactics with and is brutally honest if I am not up to scratch,” he said. “Nothing like a good, old fashioned father and son relationship to get the desired results.”
The SA Surfski Champs will see paddlers selected for the World Champs in Madeira, Portugal, in October this year and is the second leg of the Euro Steel Surfski Trpl Crown (correct spelling), consisting of the Durban event, the Prescient Freedom Paddle in Cape Town in April and the Biogen Pete Martin Surfski Race in East London, in November.
Entries are open on the Canoeing South Africa entry portal at paddler.canoesa.com