Local swimmers feature in PE Olympic trials

Boksburg Aquatic Saints quartet Kian Keylock, Aidan Bornman, Divan Pretorius and Jaiden Staines continued their respective Olympics qualifying quests during the latest qualifying round in Port Elizabeth.

The South African National Championships, which served as Olympic and Paralympic trials, concluded on April 12 after getting underway on April 7.

Swimmers who receive an invitation to these tournaments have to perform and attempt to beat different qualifying times for different events to qualify for the Tokyo Olympic Games or the Paralympics.

“The opportunity to attend the Olympic trials in PE has been an honour and challenge,” said Bornman.

“It was a very challenging tour, especially having to race against the top swimmers in South Africa. Standing on the blocks about to race an Olympian like Chad le Clos was extremely intimidating and most certainly an honour.

“I left PE having learnt valuable lessons. Swimming is both a physical and mental sport. I am very happy with my results, managing to achieve a personal best time in nine out of 10 events as well as being in several finals,” he explained.

“I feel the journey is just beginning, there is a long road ahead. I am up to the challenge that lies ahead.”

Keylock, who was one of the youngest in the meeting, echoed his training partner’s sentiments.

“It was all top swimmers trying to qualify so it was the toughest competition I’ve ever raced against.

“Overall, I’m happy with the way my meet went. I wanted to do a little better but I’m happy.”

Overall results:

Kian Keylock
50m breaststroke – 12th
100m breaststroke – 11th
200m breaststroke – 4th
200m individual medley – 7th
400m individual medley – 4th.

Aidan Bornman
50m butterfly – 29th
100m butterfly – 30th
50m backstroke – 14th
100m backstroke – 13th
200m backstroke – 10th
50m freestyle – 26th
100m freestyle – 16th
200m freestyle – 22nd
400m freestyle – 7th
200m individual medley – 16th.

Divan Pretorius
50m freestyle – 21st
100m freestyle – 24th
200m freestyle – 19th
400m freestyle – 5th
100m butterfly – 31st.

Jaiden Staines

TBA

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