The best in the world

Wellington’s Marama Elkington (left) won the open women’s V1 race, ending the reign of Tahitian superstar Hinatea Bernardino, with Gisborne’s Akayshia Williams (middle) fourth. Matahi Brightwell (right), coached Elkington and Williams.

They did it for their country, their region and their club, along with their whanau and supporters . . . and our latest crop of champions also did it for themselves.

They not only proved to themselves they could match it with the best at the Va’a world sprint champs in Tahiti, but in some cases, beat them.

Gaibreill Wainohu led Aotearoa to a 1-2-3-4 in the junior 16 women’s V1 500 metres final, with fellow Tairawhiti paddler Rangi-Riana Williams second.

So close was the race — only 0.11 of a second separated the top two — that Wainohu had no idea she had won after crossing the finish line.

She said the best thing about the race was Aotearoa paddlers filling the top four slots. She made special mention of the support and love from all her family and friends, the sponsorship in getting her there and letting her know they were backing her from “all the way back at home”.

The V1 win continued an outstanding champs for Wainohu, who was also a member of Aotearoa crews who won gold in last week’s elite open and junior races, and victorious Horouta crews in the club races of the worlds, which continue today.

Wellington’s Marama Elkington won the open women’s V1 race, ending the reign of Tahitian superstar Hinatea Bernardino, with Gisborne’s Akayshia Williams fourth.

A delighted Matahi Brightwell, who coached Elkington and Williams, said he had told the Tahitians that New Zealand would “one day” topple their finest “and we’ve done it”.

The Horouta open women’s crew have also been in medal-winning form, placing second in the V12 500.