Kyle has great debut at SA event
He won his medals in the 200 breast (silver), 100 breast (silver), 50 breast (gold) and 50 free (silver)
KYLE McKenzie had a perfect debut for Aquatic Academy at the SA level 1 regional championships.
He scored 58 points for ESP, winning four medals, swimming six finals and a level 2 qualification.
He won his medals in the 200 breast (silver), 100 breast (silver), 50 breast (gold) and 50 free (silver).
The Academy had 13 swimmers participating at the championships under the ESP banner. It was once again a busy and competitive week with almost 800 swimmers from 69 clubs, ranging from as far north as Kenya.
The event once again hosted the northern regions of South Africa as well as Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mozambique, Swaziland and Tanzania.
ESP achieved a 21st overall place with 132 points. The boys scored the bulk with 120 of the points and 13th overall with seven medals – two gold, four silver and one bronze.
After the nerves had been tamed, many personal best times were swum. This gala can be daunting for swimmers new to the league system. Four more Academy swimmers achieved level 2 times.
Jonathan Smith had good swims, scoring 42 points for ESP, competing in six finals, winning three medals and qualifying for level 2. Jonathan won medals in the 50 Back (bronze), 200 individual medley, 100 back (silver), 200 back (silver).
Clayton Malaza narrowly missed medalling. However, he did qualify for level 2. He scored 18 points, competing in four finals for the 50 back, 50 fly, 100 breast and 50 breast.
In the girl’s events, Caitlin Stott (9) scored five points, swimming in one final for the 10 years and under 50m backstroke event. She qualified with a level 2 time (level 2 times are set for 11 years and older).
Keara Bothma scored seven points, competing in two finals in the 100 back and 200 back.
Dylan Clark qualified in fourth place for a final in the 50 fly, while Ethan Heystek (9) was second reserve in the 100 fly.
The balance of the club’s points were scored from relays.
