Meet the Alberton family dominating pools and podiums

In a home where sport is not just a hobby but a lifestyle, the Van de Merwe family is a powerhouse of talent, drive and discipline.

Based in Alberton, they have turned early mornings, weekend competitions and relentless training into a way of life.

From swimming and triathlons to medals at national events, their journey is inspiring and impressive.

At the centre of this sporting family is Andrew van de Merwe, a competitive masters swimmer, a full-time working professional and a devoted father of two young athletes, Paiton and Joseph.

His wife, a physiotherapist and qualified swimming judge, completes this dynamic team.

Together, they balance their family life around race days, training schedules and school timetables with clockwork precision.

“Sport in our house is 365 days a year,” said Andrew.

“As my son says, swimming is no longer a summer sport – you only get a Christmas day off.”

Paiton: A rising triathlon star with big goals

At 12 years old, Paiton van de Merwe is fast becoming a name to watch in South Africa’s junior triathlon circuit.

Her journey began with a natural flair and sheer determination and she has been climbing podiums since then.

In October 2024, she won her age group at the Gauteng Triathlon Championships and a few months later, she dominated all three events in the TinMan Series.

Her biggest moment yet was at the SA Triathlon Championships in March at Ebotse, where she placed second in the highly competitive ages 12-13 girls’ division and finished sixth overall among all junior girls.

“She has taken to triathlon like a natural,” Andrew said.

“It was my sport when I was younger and she decided she was taking it from daddy.”

Paiton’s training regime is as intense as any adult athlete. Most days, she trains twice – cycling early in the morning with her dad and then running or swimming in the afternoon.

“She is incredibly focused and mature for her age,” Andrew shared.

“She keeps up with her academics too, which makes us even prouder.”

Despite her youth, Paiton has already set ambitious goals: she wants to win the SA Triathlon Champs in 2026, qualify for the national open water swimming team in the 3km event, and improve her standing in the Midmar Mile where she already placed 33rd out of 366 competitors in her age group this year.

Joseph: From late bloomer to national stage

Andrew’s teenage son, Joseph (16), started swimming competitively later than many of his peers, but more than made up for lost time.

In just 20 months of focused training, he soared through the rankings winning two golds and a silver at the Gauteng Schools Championships on 22 February at Dellville.

That performance earned him a spot at the SA Schools Championships in Bloemfontein in April, where he made two finals.

“It has been a challenge playing catch-up, but he worked incredibly hard.”

Joseph also got second place in butterfly and breaststroke at his school’s inter-high and recently received full colours for swimming.

His next milestone is the SA National Juniors, starting April 25, in Cape Town.

“That is the first door you have to knock down if you want to swim at top level,” said Andrew.

“Last year he qualified for SA Regional Level Three – this is the next step.”

According to Andrew, open water swimming is not Joseph’s favourite but he still competed in the Midmar Mile’s elite race, tackling the daunting course with grit and determination.

He also joined his family in the team race, where they were in the top 10.

Looking ahead, Joseph’s target is to qualify for the SA Senior Nationals in 2026 and continue climbing the national ranks in pool events.

Andrew: Still racing, still winning

While his children dominate the junior scene, Andrew has not hung up his goggles.

Competing in the SA Masters Championships from March 12 to 15 in Durban brought home eight medals – three gold, three silver and two bronze.

“I did not do the full event,” Andrew explained. “I cut it short to be at Paiton’s national champs. That was just the priority.”

Andrew does not just support from the sidelines. He trains and competes alongside his children.

Their weekly schedule includes early morning swims, long-distance cycling and weekend races.

“We often compete at the same events, which is great. We support each other and push each other,” he said.

One of the family’s most cherished memories this year was competing together at the Midmar Mile, the world’s largest open-water swim.

The event, from February 8 to 9, marked a special moment when all three participated as individuals and then again as a team in the family category.

Andrew placed sixth in his age group, while Joseph and Paiton performed strongly in their categories.

A family anchored in teamwork

Even Mom is involved. A well-known physiotherapist in the area, she’s now training as a swimming judge and will officiate at the SA Juniors.

“She is the one who keeps it all going – between the driving, events, and her work. She is incredible.”

When asked how the family juggles this demanding schedule, Andrew is candid: “It’s tough. Training starts before 06:00 and most days the children only get home by 19:45. The structure keeps them focused and away from distractions. We work to keep them in these good habits – it is worth every sacrifice.”

ALSO READ: Alberton swimming family makes waves