July 2026

Above and beyond

Following months of demanding challenges, South Africa’s two Defender Trophy finalists prepare to compete on the global stage in Africa

Following an intense national selection process, South Africa’s representatives for the 2026 Defender Trophy Global Final have been decided. Isabel Roux and Lance Kime emerged victorious at the national finals held in Pretoria in March 2026, earning the chance to represent South Africa on the global stage.

Their journey began in 2025 when they were selected from more than 600 adventure-seekers eager to prove their mettle in the Defender Trophy challenge. The first round saw 48 contestants tackle a series of physical and mental challenges, including precision driving, log bridge construction, navigation and team exercises, before the field was narrowed to the final 12. Roux and Kime ultimately earned their place on the global stage.

As South Africa’s final two, Roux and Kime will face contestants from around the world at the 2026 Defender Trophy Global Final, which will be held on African soil in partnership with conservation organisation Tusk.

Defender Trophy is designed to make a positive impact on the people and places it encounters, with the expedition-ready Defender 110 Trophy Edition at the heart of the challenge. The special edition celebrates 45 years since the original Trophy event and is finished in the exclusive Deep Sandglow Yellow colourway.

“The revival of the Defender Trophy has been nothing short of amazing,” says Janico Dannhauser, Defender Brand Manager at JLR South Africa. “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, agrees: “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.”

Featured in House and Leisure Volume 21 (Roam).

Inspired to follow the adventure? Shop the official Defender Collection, and follow Defender on Instagram and TikTok for behind-the-scenes moments, competition updates and stories from the 2026 Defender Trophy Global Final.