Mother and daughters conquer the Midmar Mile
Nicole was the "official winner", completing the swim in 26.16 minutes
A Bonaero Park mother and her two daughters ticked one item off their bucket list when they all completed the recent Midmar Mile.
“It was the most challenging thing I have ever done but the most rewarding,” said mom Donette de Beer (47), who was completely “outclassed” by Nicole (15) and Lara (10).
“We are definitely doing it again next year. What an adrenaline rush.”
Donette said she wanted to do something with her daughters that was challenging, so they decided on the Midmar Mile.
“Since they are members of Benoni Swimming Club and are always swimming galas, we decided two years ago to try open-water swims. We swam the Heia Safari in 2015 and again in 2016,” Donette said.
“It was such an achievement just to be able to finish the race. It is, after all, the world’s largest open-water swim and more than 15 000 swimmers took part. Despite being super-fit, the girls both said it was long and hard and it felt like a never-ending race,” she added.
They train at Benoni Swimming Club every day for one and a half hours.
“I tried to get some training in after their sessions at the club, but after doing the Midmar, I realised I will have to train much more, as nothing can prepare you for that race, other than getting into the dam and swimming it.”
Dad Harold stood at the finish line, cheering his family on. “He is very proud of each of us, as he realises this was a very big challenge and achievement for all of us.”
Nicole was the “official winner”, completing the swim in 26.16 minutes. Lara was second in 34.36 minutes, while it took mom over an hour to reach the finish line.
