Travis Grant has broken the coveted four-hour barrier at the 2017 Molokai 2 Oahu (M20) Paddleboard World Championships, in Hawaii.
The athlete from the Gold Coast won the men's unlimited stand-up paddleboard (SUP) race and set a new record after finishing in 3 hours, 59 minutes, and 52 seconds.
"I can't believe we can go 32 miles (53 kilometers) on a SUP in under four hours, now. I was pretty emotional this year, during and after the race. It's amazing how your own family can change and influence you so much," expressed Travis Grant.
In the women's division, Penelope Strickland had a difficult start, but she managed to keep her composure and won the race in record time, and in the overall top 10.
"I have been absolutely overwhelmed by the support I have received both before and after the race. Thank you so much to everyone who has reached out," added Strickland.
Australian paddleboarders dominated the majority of the categories. Matt Bevilaqua and Harriet Brown (Prone Unlimited), Stewart McLachlan (Prone Stock), and Madison Spencer (Prone Stock) won their open-ocean endurance divisions.
The M20 was founded in 1997. The paddleboard challenge invites athletes from all over the world to connect the north shore of Molokai and Maunalua Bay, in Oahu. The 32-mile race takes place in the Kaiwi Channel, also known as the Channel of Bones.
2017 Molokai 2 Oahu | Winners
Unlimited SUP Men: Travis Grant (AUS), 3:59:52
Unlimited SUP Women: Penelope Strickland (NZL), 4:52:32
Prone Unlimited Paddleboard Men: Matt Bevilaqua (AUS), 4:29:20
Prone Unlimited Paddleboard Women: Harriet Brown (AUS), 5:14:15
Prone Stock Men: Stewart McLachlan (AUS), 5:02:43
Prone Stock Women: Madison Spencer (AUS), 6:06:24
SUP Stock Men: Josh Riccio (USA), 4:36:45
SUP Stock Women: Siri Schubert (SWI), 4:52:32