Canoers Michelle Burn and Saskia Hockly paddled their way to the top at the KwaZulu-Natal Sports Awards when they racked up awards on Friday, 5 November 2021.
36-year old Burn walked away with the 2021 Sportswoman of the Year accolade and a VW Polo courtesy of Jomo sports.
“The awards evening was really spectacular, and I really didn’t expect anything from it. I’m so stoked to be awarded the Sportswoman of the Year,” said 2021 KZN Sportswoman of the Year, Canoeist Michelle Burn.
“The support I’ve received has also been phenomenal. I’ve had so many amazing messages and messages of encouragement and how people feel it was so well deserved and just being really, really kind and so nice to hear that from people outside, so it’s been really cool and I’m just grateful for the support.
“It’s been a really cool year for me, I’ve worked really hard, and I’ve done some good races so to come away with the award was just pretty amazing.”
The Durban-based paddler claimed the World Championship title with a time of 01:42:25 at the recent ICF Ocean Racing Championships in Spain in July this year. In April, Burn bagged the Fenn SA Surfski Championships title.
“I’m just also really glad that Canoeing South Africa and obviously my discipline that I do under Canoeing South Africa which is ocean paddling are in the mix and for both the junior sportswoman and senior sportswoman of the year just shows that our sports come a long way.”
Hockly Shines in Junior Category
Junior canoeist, Saskia Hockly – who holds the title of world junior ocean ski champion – landed the Junior Sportswoman of the Year award.
“I honestly didn’t expect it one bit! Just the fact that I was nominated for the award was a shock. Being recognised by the people of my province like that for my achievements in the sport I’m passionate about is incredibly heart-warming,” said Hockly.
“Winning the award is really the most special thing. I was shocked at first when my name was called out but was soon filled with happiness.” – KZN Junior Sportswoman of the Year, Junior Canoeist Saskia Hockly
“Just the fact that I could stand up on that stage and share such a special moment with somebody like Matthew Sates, a friend and an inspiration, is not something many people get to do, making us the first time the award has been shared.”
Photo 1 Caption: Canoers Michelle Burn and Saskia Hockly paddled their way to the top at the KwaZulu-Natal Sports Awards when they racked up awards on Friday, 5 November 2021. Photo: KwaZulu-Natal Canoe Union (Instagram)
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