Following an intense national selection process that pushed participants to the limit, South Africa’s representatives for the 2026 Defender Trophy global final have been decided.
Isabel Roux and Lance Kime have emerged victorious, earning their colours to represent South Africa after an impressive show of skill, stamina and spirit at the national finals held in Pretoria last month.
Isabel and Lance’s road to the final began in 2025 when their entries were selected from over 600 adventure-seekers eager to prove their mettle in the Defender Trophy challenge. The first round of selections saw 48 contestants take part in a series of physical and mental challenges, encompassing precision driving, constructing log bridges, as well as navigation and team challenges. The field was subsequently narrowed down to the top twelve who made it into the national finals where the two victors powered their way into the global final.
As the last two standing from South Africa, they prepare to face-off against contestants from across the globe. The global final will be hosted on African soil later this year in partnership with conservation organisation and Defender partner Tusk, ensuring the event remains rooted in both adventure and purpose.
Janico Dannhauser, Defender Brand Manager, JLR South Africa, says the revival of the Defender Trophy has been nothing short of amazing. “Witnessing the grit and determination of the participants has been truly inspirational. Isabel and Lance haven't just proven individual capability, they’ve proven they have the heart to lead. We now look to them to emulate this winning performance on the global stage.”
Mark Collins, Defender Trophy selections organiser and veteran adventurer, adds that participating in the Defender Trophy is a rare privilege and the pinnacle of any adventurer’s career. “Having previously stood in their shoes, I can see that Isabel and Lance have the technical skill and the spirit required to win.”
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Chinese vehicle manufacturers continued to record significantly stronger growth than established OEM brands in South Africa during the second quarter of 2026, according to TransUnion's Q2 2026 Mobility Report.
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