Stellenbosch University student Joshua Glyn-Cuthbert intends to compete for victory in the Berg River Canoe Marathon after successfully recovering from a shoulder injury. He aims to become the first paddler from Matie to win the competition since 2010.
Preparation for the Main Race
Glyn-Cuthbert, who is 22 years old, is a fourth-year electrical engineering student. He has demonstrated outstanding preparation for the 64th edition of the marathon by winning all four qualifying races before Berg. With an impeccable record in the preliminary heats, he is among the main contenders for the title.
Although the shoulder injury, which required surgery less than a year ago, could not slow his progress, his rise has been particularly impressive given last year's difficulties.
Injuries and Rehabilitation
He shared that he sustained the shoulder injury during the Dusi competition in 2025 when he fell at the Little John Rapid and dislocated it. Several months later, he dislocated his shoulder again at the Breede River marathon, leading to surgery last October. Following the surgical procedure, Glyn-Cuthbert began a rehabilitation program under the guidance of biomechanist Armand de Wet.
According to the athlete, working with Armand de Wet, which started about eight weeks after the operation, not only guided his rehabilitation but also enhanced his paddling skills.
Marathon Participation History
A former student of Maritzburg College, Glyn-Cuthbert only started canoeing in 2020. Last year, he debuted at the Berg River Marathon, but illness on the third day prevented him from performing fully, and he finished 26th overall. However, the current season showed a completely different picture.
According to information from the Berg River Canoe Marathon organizers, this year Glyn-Cuthbert won all four preliminary races: from Paarl to Skelkie, from Gouda to Bridgetown, from Hermanus to Gouda, and most recently, from Wellington to Hermanus. In the last preliminary race, he crossed the finish line six minutes ahead of Heinrich Schloems, while Dylan Farrell took the podium.
Upcoming Competition
With such momentum, Glyn-Cuthbert will now focus on the Berg River Marathon, where he is expected to face serious competition from 14-time champion Hank McGregor. The four-day race will start in Paarl on Wednesday, July 15, and conclude in Weldedrift on Saturday, July 18, testing the endurance, skill, and resilience of participants in one of South Africa's most demanding endurance tests.