1.
Three World Cup medals in two weekends – how chuffed are you with those results?
I am so stoked with the results from the World Cups. My goal was to get one medal in the 1000m Olympic distance event, and to come away with a silver medal made me really happy.
2.
What were your expectations heading into these World Cups?
The level is so high at these World Cups, with everyone wanting to gain valuable points for Olympic qualification. My goal was to try and win a medal in one of the 1000m events, and I’ m really happy to have achieved that.
3.
LA2028
Which performance are you most proud of and why?
Definitely the 1000m race. I love the challenge of racing out of South Africa and going up against all the big nations.
Three World Cup medals won over two weekends capped off an impressive run for Hamish Lovemore, who has set his sights on a second Olympics in 2028. The South African sprint paddler picked up silver in the 1 000m K1 event and bronze in the 5 000m K1 in Brandenburg after also claiming bronze in the 5 000m K1 in Szeged. We caught up with the KZN star to find out more …
6.
What have been the biggest improvements in your paddling since Paris?
I think it’ s about finding out what works best for me. I’ ve shown I have the level a few times, but now it’ s about ensuring proper preparation and executing the perfect race. Consistency has been one of my biggest focuses.
7.
Can you explain a bit about the qualification system for LA 2028 and how important these results are in that context?
The automatic qualification system for K1 works as follows: there are eight competitions across the 2026 and 2027 seasons, and each athlete needs to compete in all eight events. At the end of 2027, the top six boats in the rankings earn automatic qualification. It’ s very tough, so these results are definitely important.
Photos courtesy of: Paddle Photography / Paddlesport SA / Gameplan Media / ICF
4.
Your focus turned more to sprints just before Paris 2024 – do you consider yourself more of a sprint paddler now?
I still really enjoy racing marathons, as it’ s what I’ ve done my whole paddling career, but the fresh challenge of sprints has definitely ignited a new flame of energy and I’ m loving it. So yes, I am a sprinter now.
5.
What do you enjoy most about the sprinting side as opposed to marathon paddling?
I really love racing, and I feel sprinting offers more competitions each year and the chance to race multiple events. The 5000m marathon-style race at the end of each sprint regatta is a huge bonus and something I really look forward to.
8.
What does a typical training week look like for you at the moment?
A typical week is three sessions per day from Monday to Thursday. These are usually two paddling sessions and one running or gym session on alternate days. Friday is normally two sessions – usually paddle and run. Saturday is for time trials or race simulations, and Sunday is a recovery day. Altogether, it’ s around 150km of paddling and running, plus two gym sessions.
9.
Away from training and racing, what helps you switch off and recover?
I live in Umdloti with my girlfriend, and during rest periods or the off-season we really make the most of the ocean and everything it offers. Surfing and fishing are definitely my top two ways to switch off.
10.
What’ s next for you now?
Now that the World Cups are done, I have just over two months to prepare for the World Championships in Poznan, Poland, in August. I’ ll be competing in the 1000m and 5000m events there as well. www. modernathlete. co. za 45