South Africa’s premier open water swimming series, The Swim Challenge Series 2007 – 2008 came to a climax at the Hazelmere Dam near Durban on Sunday, as participants and spectators relaxed in near-perfect conditions, while the performances in the water were of an excellent standard.
A number of up-and-coming athletes put up their hands for inclusion into the national open water swimming squads, to be announced after the forthcoming SA National Open Water Swimming Championships that take place at the Mofam River Lodge near Elgin on 2 and 3 February.
The 5km event got matters underway, and it was Natalie du Toit (Vineyards) and Velia Janse van Rensburg (Aquabears) who took control of the race from the gun.
Despite her best efforts Janse van Rensburg was unable to match the prowess of du Toit, and the national champion secured victory in a solid 1:02:53, while Janse van Rensburg posted a 1:03:12 to secure the silver well ahead of Rene Warnes (Mr. Price Seagulls), who looked comfortable in recording a 1:06:48.
The ladies 3km event saw a determined Yolandi van der Merwe (17) (Matties) hold off a fast-finishing Courtney Mower (16) (Picies) to claim a hard-fought victory in the run in to the finish. Van der Merwe (37:08) was too strong for Mower (37:08) in the death, while the diminutive Nicole Brits secured the bronze with a 43:55.
The open water swimming focus now moves onto the SA National Open Water Championships which take place at the Mofam River Lodge near Elgin on the 2nd & 3rd February.
The event is the final eliminator for team selection for Team SA squad that will represent South Africa at the 5th FINA World Open Water Swimming Championships in Seville, Spain, during the first week of May.
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