Birkett surpasses childhood hero Pope-Ellis with historic 16th Title

The Euro Steel paddler etched his name into the history books of the Dusi Canoe Marathon after claiming a record-breaking 16th title, achieving the milestone during the race’s 75th anniversary.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Birkett reminisced about a trip he was once invited to by the late Graeme Pope-Ellis as a youngster.

“I remember I went on only one tripping session where we practiced in the river. I was a ‘laaitie’ and Graeme Pope-Ellis had invited me. I was in awe of him and really grateful that I had the opportunity to go for a trip with him and learn some of the river from him. I still remember that and I will treasure it,”

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The 34-year-old said one of his highlights of this year’s race was watching the junior race unfold. He speaks fondly of two young paddlers who live alongside the Dusi and are part of the ‘Running the Valley’ development programme.

“There were two ‘laaities’, tiny little guys who live alongside the Dusi, and I think they are part of the development programme ‘Running the Valley’.

They won the junior race. They are predominantly stronger runners and won day one by quite a margin. You would have thought they would be caught on day two and three with there being more paddling, but they kept opening the gap each day.

“I think it’s awesome to see that come out of the Dusi and heroes like that emerge.

Those two ‘laaities’ will probably go on to smash records and win the Dusi many times over in the future. It’s nice to see that positivity for the race and the growth of the race in the sport.”

When asked whether his focus is now shifting towards development, Birkett said he and his wife have already been discussing the idea.

“Ja, I would love to, my wife and I have actually been having this discussion for a while. We would like to get into setting up a development programme this year, so hopefully we can start something. There’s a lot of talent in this country in the paddling space, and I’ve been involved in little bits and pieces with some of the paddlers that I paddle with, mentoring them.

“It’s amazing to walk that journey with them and see how a paddler, and a person, can grow with the right guidance, mentorship and structure.”