LIMPOPO – Learners from Southern Cross Schools, representing the Hoedspruit Aquatics Club and coached by Terry Papadopoulos, delivered stellar performances at the Limpopo Championship held in Tzaneen last year.

The swimmers showcased their exceptional talent, securing an impressive haul of medals.

Jemima Muirhead, competing in the girls’ 9-year age group, dazzled with three podium finishes and won a bronze medal for the 100m breaststroke and 50m backstroke, and silver for the 200m breaststroke with a stellar performance.

Ilia Papadopoulos, competing in the boys’ 12-year category, delivered outstanding performances, bringing home four medals.

He won a silver medal in the 50m breaststroke, 400m freestyle in a tightly contested race, 50m freestyle and a bronze medal in the 100m freestyle. Janco Moller, competing in the boys’ 13-year category, demonstrated his talent and determination with two medal-winning performances and won a bronze medal in the 50m backstroke and a silver medal in the 50m freestyle achieved in a time of 29:52s.

In addition to the medal-winning performances, several top 10 and top 5 finishes were achieved by Logan Rainier (10), Cody Viljoen (9), Blake Landsman (10), and Liam Breetzke (9).

These young swimmers are emerging as the next generation of stars, showing immense promise and making significant improvements in their times. Their determination and progress were a highlight of the gala, reflecting the strength of the Hoedspruit Aquatics Club’s development programme.

“The Limpopo Champs was a proud moment for the club and Southern Cross Schools, with these young athletes not only bringing home medals but also displaying exceptional sportsmanship and dedication. Congratulations to Jemima, Ilia, Janco, Logan, Cody, Blake, and Liam on their remarkable achievements, which have brought pride to their school and club,” said Prof Sylvia Papadopoulos.