ICF Canoe Ocean Racing. CHAMPION AGAIN! Camps Bay High School’s Holly Smith Secures Dual World Championship Titles in with win at 2023 ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships

Perth, Australia — November 30, 2023 — Camps Bay High School is thrilled to announce that Grade 11 learner, Holly Smith, has emerged victorious yet again, claiming the title of Junior Women (U18) 2023 Ocean Racing World Champion. In an awe-inspiring display of skill and determination, Holly conquered the challenging course in Perth, Australia, securing her second world championship title this year.

Fiercely competitive event held in Perth, Australia

The fiercely competitive event, held in Perth, Australia, saw Holly Smith soaring across the finish line with a remarkable time of 01:32:7.2, firmly establishing her as the frontrunner. Her outstanding performance positioned her ahead of formidable competitors Lara Cellier-Henriquez from Spain and Alyssa Bailey from Australia, claiming the top spot against a field of elite paddlers from across the globe.

Reflecting on her monumental achievement, Holly Smith shared her exhilarating experience, stating, “The race was hard, started off very fast and hard for 2kms into the wind where you just have to grind and then you turn and you don’t know where anyone is – you can’t see because of the runs. There were nice conditions, runs linked with the wind pumping and then down to the finish. At the finish, I wasn’t sure where I had come and then someone came up and told me I had won and I couldn’t believe it! I was so stoked!”

Holly’s dedication to her sport

Holly’s dedication to her sport is also evident in her relentless training regimen, spending countless hours honing her skills on the water. Her commitment has led her to secure not just one but two prestigious world championship titles in 2023. Earlier this year, she clinched the Junior Women (U18) K2 Canoe Marathon Championship alongside her K2 partner, Georgia Singe, at the ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships in Denmark.

Busi Ngcwama, Head of Sport at Camps Bay High School, expressed immense pride in Holly’s achievements, stating, “We are incredibly proud of Holly’s remarkable accomplishment in becoming a two-time World Champion. Her unwavering dedication, hard work, and never give up attitude make her an inspiration to the entire school community.”