KwaZulu-Natal played host to the 52nd aQuelle Midmar Mile swimming race. These are a series of races held once a year at the Midmar Mile. The Midmar is a time of great gathering of both professional and amateur swimmers. It occurs around every February from the 8th to the 9th and is an invitation for both young and old to participate. The Albertyns, a family from Pretoria won top honours in the family race. The family of four dived into the province’s cold waters at Midmar Dam in the Midlands and completed the world’s largest open swimming race. Alani Ferreira’s highlight of the race was being guided across the dam by two-time Olympic gold medallist Sharon van Rouwendaal in the 10km Marathon swim.
“It is surreal – how often can you say that the queen of open water is going to take you across Midmar Dam? So, it’s definitely something I will remember forever,” said Ferreira. Paralympian Adri Visser returned for the 11th time after she took time off to complete her Masters degree. Visser was accompanied by members of her canoe club whom she challenged to take part in the race. “I started last year June to get back in the water after I finished my Masters degree – I am really happy to be back in active condition again. The water does not care how you look, or how you feel – it’s just about getting to the other side,” she said. One of the most endearing moments of the day belonged to couple, Lawrence and Lynn Schroder, who finished the race together for the 46th year.
“This has been an absolutely special, special event for us. We have swum it together for the 46th year and it’s been wonderful,” said Lawrence.
The focus on swimming in the Midmar Dam races is to promote the health and good will of exercise. The role of swimming in keeping fit and healthy is endurance and strength. The opportunity to meet and interact with professional swimming athletes for their admirers is also available. Treasured moments like those between Ferreira and Rouwendaal are also made. For swimmer enthusiasts it also provides an opportunity for them to cool off after a long and strenuous 2024. Yes, medals are being offered to the best and fastest swimmers but this is only of the least importance. Proceeds from some of the events goes to the contribution of various charities. The Midmar Mile sponsored by aQuelle water is a good way to celebrate local and national athletics. This is true for both young and old swimmers such as the Schroder couple. Athleticism should be celebrated in all its forms.
From running to gymnastics. Swimming in the MidMar should also raise awareness concerning the environment and what can be done as regard to conservation.
A strong contingent of South African swimmers will line up on the starting pontoon, the final day, together with international competitors. Eighteen-year-old Callan Lotter and 20-year-old Connor Albertyn, will head into the race as the top-seeded local swimmers. They will be up against New Zealand’s 5km open water champions – Ruby Heath and Louis Clark. Albertyn finished as the first South African in last year’s men’s race, second behind Australian Nick Sloman. The elite women’s field includes two former champions in Stephanie Houtman (2022) and Michelle Weber (2016 and 2021) with 2023 champion – two-time Olympic gold medallist Sharon van Rouwendaal – choosing to swim in the women’s 31-40 age category. Today swimmers with disability kicked things off in the morning. Ahead of the weekend’s main races, almost 300 swimmers took part in the 8 and 16-Mile Charity Challenge at Midmar Dam on Thursday and Friday.
The point of the Midmar in bringing together various swimmers both the professionals and amateurs is to highlight the importance of looking after your own body. Looking after your own health has long been the purpose of sports and exercise. It promotes eating healthy and regularly working out to keep fit. The Midmar can serve as a source of gathering for those participating in the sport just for the love of it as well as the adrenalin. They even have an opportunity to meet their favourite sports star. Swimming may be a competitive sport but it is also healthy for the muscles. The Midmar Dam races are good healthy competition with life guards watching out and keeping tabs on the competitors, to make sure no one drowns. The participation of disabled athletes and competitors shows the span of having individuals from all walks of life.
The Midmar Mile will definitely be a great example of athletic success for years to come.
Article written by:
Yacoob Cassim
Journalist at Radio Al Ansaar
