Padi completes 10th Midmar Mile, hopes to inspire cancer patients
She was diagnosed with colon cancer last year and has had three operations so far.
Western Extension resident Padi Abendroth says she hopes to inspire cancer patients in South Africa after achieving her goal of completing the 50th aQuelle Midmar Mile on February 12 in under 45 minutes.
Diagnosed last year with colon cancer, she wanted to complete the 1.6km route in a set time to motivate others that, despite the severity of cancer, they should keep fighting.
“I celebrated my swim after being diagnosed with colon cancer last year and have had three operations.
“I set a goal of sub-45 minutes for breaststroke and achieved it. My mantra has been ‘cancer is merely a word in my vocabulary, not a disease in my temple’,” she said.
Abendroth’s pillar of strength was her husband, Noel, and friends Jeanette Strugnell and Des Nienaber.
“The Mile was a fabulous event, and one where new participants were exposed to the great vibe, the stringent safety protocols and an event without all the Covid-19 restrictions.”
Abendroth trained with Strugnell, who is also her physiotherapist.
Strugnell is a novice in open water swimming, and despite some problems during her swim, she made it to the finish.
“She had her reservations about the swim. She suffered a sports-induced asthma attack 800m into the swim, yet she completed the event, demonstrating her strength and determination. That was a real sign of perseverance.”
Abendroth also raved about Nienaber, who she said went ahead, although her training before the event was limited.
“She pressed ahead with doing the distance in training during her December holidays, and showed up on the day and made me proud too.
“These two swimmers were committed, race-ready and have the medals to prove their commitment to the sport,” she said.
This was her 10th Midmar Mile swim. She also had her sister-in-law, Karry Werth, who completed her 19th swim, holding her hand during the event.
“I want to thank Janette, Des and my husband, Noel, as well as all the supporters in our group, for a great weekend and for making it a memorable one.
“Hopefully, we can do it all over again next year.”
Dubbed the world’s largest open water swim, the event attracted many fans and swimmers after a Covid-restricted two years.
Also Read: Local to take Midmar Mile challenge to raise funds for CHOC
Also Read: Local achieves goal at Midmar Mile
