Following a rigorous selection process testing both physical endurance and technical skill, South Africa’s representatives for the 2026 Defender Trophy global final have been confirmed.
Image: Supplied
After a gruelling selection process that tested both physical endurance and technical ability, South Africa’s representatives for the 2026 Defender Trophy global final have been confirmed.
Isabel Roux and Lance Kime emerged as the final two standing, earning the right to represent the country after a gruelling national final held recently in Pretoria.
Their journey started in 2025, when more than 600 entrants put their names forward. That number was reduced to 48 contestants, each subjected to a mix of challenges designed to reflect the realities of expedition driving and teamwork.
Precision driving, navigation exercises and practical problem-solving tasks such as building log bridges formed part of the early rounds. Following that, the field was narrowed to 12 finalists.
Roux and Kime stood out for their consistency under pressure and their ability to combine technical skill with composure.
According to Janico Dannhauser, Defender brand manager, JLR South Africa, the level of competition made their achievement even more significant.
“The revival of the Defender Trophy has been nothing short of amazing. Witnessing the grit and determination of the participants has been inspirational,” Dannhauser said.
He added that the winning pair showed more than just capability. “Isabel and Lance haven't just proven individual capability; they’ve proven they have the heart to lead.”
Defender Trophy selections organiser and veteran adventurer Mark Collins echoed the sentiment.
“Participating in the Defender Trophy is a rare privilege and the pinnacle of any adventurer’s career,” he said. “Having previously stood in their shoes, I can see that Isabel and Lance have the technical skill and the spirit required to win.”
Precision driving, navigation exercises and practical problem-solving tasks such as building log bridges formed part of the early rounds.
Image: Supplied
As South Africa’s last two standing, Roux and Kime now face competitors from around the world in the global final, which is set to take place in Africa later this year. in partnership with the conservation organisation and Defender partner, Tusk
It’s a fitting backdrop for a competition that blends adventure with purpose, while also reinforcing the Defender brand’s long-standing association with exploration and environmental awareness.
The Defender Trophy marks a return to a format that has been closely tied to the brand’s heritage.
At the heart of it is the Land Rover Defender 110 Trophy Edition, an expedition-ready 4x4 designed to embody the spirit of the competition, finished in the distinctive Deep Sandglow Yellow.