Graeme Pope-Ellis

Graeme Pope-Ellis

Personal information
Nickname(s)	Dusi King, Pope
Nationality	South African
Born	1948 Bishopstowe, South Africa
Died	(2010-06-17)June 17, 2010 Bishopstowe, South Africa
Education	Alexandra High School
Occupation(s)	Canoeist, Farmer, Entrepreneur
Years active	1965 - 2010

Graeme "Pope" Pope-Ellis (born 26 July 1947 in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, died 17 June 2010) was a South African canoeist best known for his 46 consecutive year Dusi Canoe Marathon career, having won the race a record 15 times.[1]

Personal life

Pope-Ellis grew up along the banks of the Msunduzi River on a farm in Ashburton, just outside Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. He attended Alexandra High School in Pietermaritzburg and completed his first Dusi in 1965, aged 17.

Dusi career

Pope-Ellis completed the Dusi Canoe Marathon, arguably the world’s most prestigious canoe race,[2] 46 consecutive times between 1965 and 2010. He also hold the record for having won the race 15 times. Pope-Ellis has become synonymous with the race and has been affectionately named the "Dusi King".[1] Pope-Ellis won his first Dusi in 1972 with K2 partner Eric Clarke and became the first person to win the Dusi in a single canoe in 1981.[3] Between 1970 and 1990 he won a total of three Dusis with Clarke, four with Tim Cornish, five with Peter Peacock and three K1 victories. Furthermore during this period only once, in 1979, did Pope-Ellis fail to either win or take second position.

Influence

Pope-Ellis has been called South Africa's pre-eminent sportsman[4] and is one of the best known canoeists in the world. Pope Ellis has been heavily involved with the development of canoeing in South Africa and has mentored and coached a number of South Africa’s top paddlers including seven time Dusi winner Martin Dreyer and former World champion Shaun Rubenstein.[3] Pope-Ellis was also instrumental in the development of kayaks in South Africa whilst running Pope's Canoe Centre, a successful boat-building business in Pietermaritzburg.[1] Fluent in isiZulu, he was closely involved with the people who live in the valleys that the 120 km race is run through.

Pope-Ellis also won many other canoe races, including twice winning the prestigious Umkomaas Canoe Marathon, a big water race with minimal portaging.

Death

Pope-Ellis died on 17 June 2010 on his farm in Bishopstowe while driving his tractor. An accident occurred while ploughing his fields, causing the tractor to roll over him.[5]

References

1. Camp, Steve. "Graeme Pope-Ellis (1948–2010)" (PDF). natalia.org. Natal Society Foundation. Retrieved 30 September 2014.
2. Reddy, Sheldon. "The greatest canoe race on earth". doitnow.co.za. DO IT NOW Magazine. Archived from the original on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 1 October 2014.
3. Schoeman, Roland. "Pope-Ellis' 'Dusi King' status untouchable". Supersport.com. Supersport. Retrieved 1 October 2014.
4. Davie, Kevin. "Graeme Pope-Ellis: Our greatest -- ever". Mail & Guardian Online. The Mail & Guardian. Retrieved 1 October 2014.
5. "'Dusi King' Pope-Ellis dies". Sport24.co.za. 24.com. Retrieved 1 October 2014.

[1]

1. Graeme Pope-Ellis, The Dusi King - Clive Lawrance ISBN 0 86985 921 8 Shuter & Shooter (1986)