Kira Bester and Melanie van Niekerk Defend Their Freedom Paddle Title

Pre-race favourites and defending champions Kira Bester and Melanie van Niekerk once again proved too strong for their opposition to win the women's category of the 27km Prescient Freedom Paddle around Robben Island, finishing first in 2:20:20 at the Oceana Power Boat Club in Cape Town on Monday, 27 April 2026. Photo: Madison Malherbe / Lens of Nahoon / Gameplan Media

Defending champions Kira Bester and Melanie van Niekerk successfully reclaimed their Prescient Freedom Paddle title around Robben Island, holding off a determined challenge from Rosie Edwards and Saskia Hockly in Cape Town on Freedom Day.

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