PUSHING through exhaustion and tough conditions, Nia Rudolph of Burleigh Point Outriggers, Gold Coast, Australia claimed victory in the women’s 40 – 500m final at the Wai Tui International 2026 in Wailoaloa yesterday.
Fresh off competing in the demanding V6 500m heat, Rudolph admitted she nearly pulled out of the race before making a last-minute decision that ultimately paid off.
“It was a pretty tough race. I was just going to pull out because we had just finished our V6 500m heat,” she said. “But I had a bargain with myself — I said I better do it, so it paid off.”
Battling the intense heat, Rudolph showed grit and determination to cross the finish line ahead of the field. She described the conditions in Nadi as a real test, especially for visiting paddlers.
Despite the challenges, Rudolph embraced the experience, praising both the competition and the atmosphere of the event.
