GREAT Britain have won their first ever gold at the ICF Ocean Racing World Championships.
On a start line alongside 530 paddlers, Edwards from Cornwall finished first U23 Female down the Durban coastline in South Africa.
“I still can’t quite believe it, still hasn’t sunk in yet,” said Edwards.
A gruelling 34km paddle in a gloomy Durban, Edwards battled high winds and dumping waves on route to victory in just under two and half hours.
Edwards added: “This is my first gold at World level of any discipline… it’s easily my best moment yet.”
“When I crossed the line I saw my dad there, it was so emotional, only he knows how much work I’ve put in.”
In preparation for the championships, Edwards moved to Cape Town in early September to be in warmer waters.
Former GB Head Coach for Ocean Racing, Jim Taylor-Ross, claimed: “The Squads in South Africa are the biggest and best in the world.”
Following Edwards win, Taylor-Ross said: “Britain have now showed, we can compete with the best of the best… no longer are we second class.”
Kira Bester from South Africa retained her world title in the Senior Female category while Australian Cory Hill became four time World Champion in the men’s senior.
Portugal’s Bernardo Pereira finished in first for U23 men.
