QUICKFIRE Q & A
Could the
Dusi crown a new, undisputed
King?
Andy Birkett is not a man who likes to talk about records. But there’ s a massive one he has the potential to break next month – surpassing the late great Graeme Pope-Ellis’ mark by winning a 16 th Dusi Canoe Marathon title. Birkett will be teaming up with his 2024 partner Matt Fenn for this year’ s K2 race from 19-21 February. We caught up with the 35-year-old ahead of the race …
Q1.
What did drawing level with Graeme Pope-Ellis on 15 Dusi wins last year mean to you?
“ I think it made me reflect on my journey. Last year was my 21 st Dusi … all the seconders who have helped me … the personal and family sacrifices … my sponsor Euro Steel … the support and love from my family, sharing Dusi with my wife and having my two boys cheering for me.”
Q2.
With a possible 16 th title in 2026, how do you approach chasing history while still respecting the legends who came before you?
“ I have always felt that although we race on the same river … the race has changed so much … I have always approached the Dusi for the love of racing the event and not chasing records. I guess this year will be no different.”
Q3. Q5.
After 15 victories, what still motivates you to take on the
Dusi again?
“ Enjoyment! I love training and racing! The Dusi is very unique … I have always enjoyed preparing for and racing the Dusi for its uniqueness... As we line up at the start it is always a bit of an unknown …”
Q4.
How has your approach to the Dusi changed from your early wins to now?
“ Wow, it has changed a lot! I used to live in PMB … I now live in the Garden Route … I have changed my training over the years to focus on what matters and to not complicate training with sessions with little or no benefit … I also have two boys, 5 and 7, so after a three-hour paddle, a bodyboarding session is compulsory recovery.”
How does the race test you the most these days?
“ In different ways every year. Two years ago we were in the lead … we took a compulsory portage and we couldn’ t get back to the river, blocked by very thick bush. Matt was the one who stayed calm … Running with a boat has to be one of the most difficult things … the speed some of the guys run up the steep hills blows your mind. You either man up and keep up or lose minutes. That can be a mental game as you don’ t always feel amazing and have to manage yourself at every stage.”
Q6.
Of your 15 wins, which have stood the most?
I think my first Dusi win in a double with Jason Graham was special for me as I was just 19, facing up against the favourites and my modern role model, Ant Stott. We had a really close race almost to the end! Then in 2011, I outsprinted Ant to win again. That occasion was my first singles win, one of those moments that you know you have no chance but give it a go anyway and somehow come out on top!
World Champs trials with Hamish HamishAndy2024-GDaniel-1: Graham Daniel / Gameplan Media Dusi single( credit Ant Grote / Gameplan Media) D1Birkett. As a surfski paddler winning Pete Marlin in October ss1-AndyDay1: Credit: Jon Ivins / Pete Marlin Surfski Race / Gameplan Media
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