Bester and Fenn paddle to glory: South African duo snag gold at Reunion World Cup

South African paddlers Kira Bester and Matthew Fenn have continued their winning streak, securing the women's and men's singles titles, respectively, at the International Canoe Federation (ICF) Canoe Ocean Racing World Cup.

The event took place in Réunion, France, over the weekend.

Freshly crowned world champions Bester and Fenn added another gold medal to their glittering collection with their victories.

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The pair arrived in Réunion fresh from starring at the ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships in Durban, where Fenn clinched the mixed surfski double crown with Saskia Johanna Hockly, and Bester sealed the top spot in the women’ SS1 on home waters.

Fenn dominated the men’s SS1 race, sweeping to victory in a time of 59:16.75. He was the only paddler in the field to break the one-hour mark. France’s Florian Revollon came second in 1:04:22.65, and fellow Frenchman Pierre Grimoux bagged bronze in 1:07:03.27.

Bester also picked up right where she left off after the World hampionships, storming to the women’s SS1 title.

A time of 1:04:13.45 saw Bester secure top honours. Great Britain’s Rosemary Edwards, who earned world bronze in Durban in October, clinched silver in 1:06:19.42, and South Africa’s Jade Wilson came third in 1:08:25.22.