Carissa shines at aquatic champs
SUNNINGHILL - Carissa van Rooyen showcased her ability to take on the world's best during the Central Gauteng Aquatics Open Championships.
Carissa van Rooyen, who trains in Sunninghill, broke her own 50m backstroke South African record in the finals, as she won the race in 31.47 seconds, which is the second fastest time in the world for girls in the under 11 age group.
The event was held at Ellis Park Pool in Johannesburg from 5 to 8 December.
Van Rooyen has had a swimming year to remember. She is ranked number one in South Africa for many of the female, U11 age group swimming events and holds four Central Gauteng Junior Short Course Championship records. She was awarded the Top Female Swimmer award for Level 1 by Central Gauteng Aquatics during the Central Gauteng Annual Awards function in September.
Speedo South Africa have recognised van Rooyen’s achievements and have sponsored her swimming kit as part of their strategy to identify rising stars.
Her mother Liezel said, “Carissa had a great gala and everybody took note of her racing kit. She truly stood out among the swimmers. She achieved amazing times.”
At the championship, Van Rooyen qualified for the finals in all her races for the sub-junior girls aged 12 years and under. She broke four Central Gauteng records for age 11, three sub-junior open champion records and one South African record.
She won gold in the 100m backstroke, 50m backstroke, and 50m freestyle and silver in the 100m freestyle, 200m backstroke and in the four by 100m medley relay.
In the four by 50m freestyle medley, she was part of the team that won bronze. Liezel said, “We will now start preparing for the championships in February and for the South African Regionals in March.” She said they were hoping for Van Rooyen to beat more records in these events.
