Cambridge High School student Jakob Robbers, 13, won two national titles at the New Zealand Secondary School Kayaking National Championships on Lake Tikitapu in Rotorua earlier last month.
Jakob Robbers claims gold on the podium at Lake Tikitapu. Photo: Supplied
Paddlers aged Year 9 to 13 from more than 30 schools around the country competed at the event.
Jakob, who is in Year 9, won the under 14 boys long course title by two seconds on Saturday. Westlake Boys’ High School’s Max Bowden claimed silver.
The following day saw Jakob win the under 14 boys 250m title.
He beat Takapuna Grammar School’s Owen Hawk by 0.08 seconds.
Cambridge High School team manager Monica Robbers said Jakob knew most of the other competitors well and he’s been training hard.
“Winning the events meant a lot, especially since both races were incredibly close. It was very special,” Jakob said.
“I’ve been training five times a week in the kayak (on Lake Karāpiro) and four times a week running.”
Jakob is now preparing for the New Zealand Canoe Sprint National Championships at Lake Karāpiro next month.
Jakob Robbers claims gold on the podium at Lake Tikitapu. Photo: Supplied
