Jean van der Westhuyzen (born 9 December 1998) is an Australian sprint canoeist. He was educated at Michaelhouse, Balgowan, KwaZulu Natal.

He won a gold medal in the K2 1000 metres event at the 2020 Summer Olympics, competing alongside Thomas Green. Jean also competed in the K1 1000 metres in Tokyo, finishing in 11th place by coming 3rd in the B-final. Van Der Westhuyzen attend Elite, all-boys boarding school, Michaelhouse in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.

Jean van der Westhuyzen

Van der Westhuyzen began as a marathon and sprint paddler. It was only on his immigration to Australia from South Africa that he concentrated on sprint racing.

Jean van der Westhuyzen

In the 2022 Australia Day Honours he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia.

Jean van der Westhuyzen

References

External links

1998 births

Living people

Australian male canoeists

Olympic canoeists for Australia

Canoeists at the 2020 Summer Olympics

South African emigrants to Australia

Medalists at the 2020 Summer Olympics

Olympic gold medalists for Australia

Olympic medalists in canoeing

Recipients of the Medal of the Order of Australia

Alumni of Michaelhouse

ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships medalists in kayak

Sportspeople from Cape Town