Canoeing star Robyn Kime scooped the Sportswoman of the Year awards at the Stellenbosch University Sports Awards setting a first for a so-called minor sport often over looked by mainstream sports such as swimming, hockey and athletics.
Kime, a honours engineering student was voted the top female sports award for her consistent dominance on the domestic calendar which included her back-to-back victories in The Unlimited Dusi and her regular podiums at all the major flatwater and river marathon races.
What makes the award even more significant for the Team Best 4 Kayak Centre star is the fact that the judges did not take into consideration her stunning silver medal performance at the world marathon championships Under 23 women’s K1 race as it fell outside of the timeframe under review.
A delighted Kime said the award was a breakthrough for the so-called minor sports.
“It is the first time that canoeing has been recognised at this level, which is great for our sport and particularly significant at Stellenbosch where the major sports really dominate,” said Kime.
“It is a reflection of the growth and achievements generally of canoe club, and it also has a lot to do with the increased coverage which canoeing has been getting in the media,” she added.
Kime stressed that the support she got from the new pro outfit Team Best 4 Kayak Centre was pivotal to her success, particularly as a student.
“You will not believe what a difference it makes to your preparation and performance to have that financial pressure off your shoulders. As students we have to budget so carefully just to get to events, and it adversely affects your ultimate performance.”
“Its been a privilege to be part of Team Best 4 Kayak Centre, who has been ground-breaking for paddling in South Africa. I hope this award will reinforce what a difference the support of a professional team makes,” said Kime.
The product of Epworth High School in Pietermaritzburg, Kime is a popular role model for a whole new generation of young female paddlers eager to follow in her footsteps.
“As a club of paddlers we are very excited,” she added. “There is stuff happening hereb, and not by accident. This award is recognition of that fact. I hope we can continue to keep the results coming and raise the profile of the sport even more in the coming years.”
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