STILBAAI NEWS - It was mission accomplished for Rut Gouws in Dakhla, Morocco over the weekend as the 14-year-old from Stilbaai powered her way to first place at the Youth Olympic Games kiteboarding qualifier.
That puts Gouws in line to be selected as part of Team South Africa at the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires in October this year.
She putted in a fantastic performance, winning 10 of her 12 races to finish as the undisputed winner.
"I'm feeling super blessed to be the African TT:R under-18 champion. It would be such an honour to have the opportunity to represent SA at the Youth Olympics," said Gouws.
"All honour and glory to God who kept me safe and sound and gave me the ability.
"A huge thanks to South African Sailing and the SA Kitesurfing Association for all the support and for the sponsorship to get me where I am.
"Also a massive shout out to Eric Groenewoud, Airush and Mystic for the best possible gear. I couldn't have done it without them.
"Thanks to my parents for always running up and down the beach to make sure I have what I need to do the best I can."
Not quite as fortunate, her teammate Terje Groenewoud couldn't quite secure that all-important top spot.
She did exceptionally well in a hotly contested competition to reach the podium, however, finishing in third, with Morocco's Jonas Ouamid making the most of home conditions to take top spot.
She will have one last chance to reach the Youth Olympic Games with one final qualifying event in Hainan, China in May.
A group of kiteboarders in action doing what they do best. Photo: Ludovic Franco.
"Congratulations to Rut and Terje for their excellent results in Morocco in this fast growing discipline of sailing in South Africa," said SA Sailing Vice President, Peter Hall.
"The competition was extremely tough and these two youngsters have done South African sailing proud. We look forward to what they will go on to achieve in the future.''
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