Onderberg women conquers Midmar

Despite of challenges, two women from the Onderberg completed the Midmar Mile last weekend.
The world’s largest open-water swimming event, aQuellé Midmar Mile attracted over 13 000 entries who braved the morning rain to tackle the mile-long course across the famous Midmar Dam just outside of Pietermaritzburg.

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Here is a bit of history of these two brave Onderberg women:
Tania Cronje’s house burned down in October 2019. She, her mother, Talia, and daughter were were not injured.
The community pulled together and all their material things were replaced.
Many sentimental items were lost forever, including her Midmar medal and towel from 2011.
Zietta van Rensburg had her third child in July and was going through an emotionally challenging time.
One morning Cronje emailed Van Rensburg the Midmar dates and asked “Gaan ons swem?” Her reply was, “Why not?”

Van Rensburg told Corridor Gazette how they started. “We got into the water for the first time in the middle of November 2019, and felt like we were going to die after just 300 metres, with many breaks in between. Like with many challenges in life, you only have one of two options – give up or push through. We pushed.
“We swam countless laps at Malelane Gym’s pool, to the amusement of all. Two hippos doing a minimum of 64 lengths. We upgraded to Van Riebeeck Park pool in Mbombela to swim.

“With your head underwater, you really get a chance to think about things. When your body is healthy, your mind follows. Tania, as many would know, was always in the process of quitting smoking and she kicked that habit.”

“Our training venues quickly became more scenic. With the consent of the Low’s Creek Irrigation Board, we swam in Shiyalongubo Dam with friends cheering us on from the comfort of their camp chairs around the braai. Next stop was Vygeboom Dam. A social weekend with friends and the two of us swimming mornings and evenings.
“The day finally arrived and we were as ready as two geriatrics with two-and-a-half months’ training could be. Conditions were rough with head-on winds of 10 knots and very choppy.

“Halfway through I wanted to give up, but you just keep your head down and push. We kept on saying, ‘Ek het nie so ver gery om nie te swem nie! Swem!’ We did it, and with time to spare!
“This could not have been done without Tania’s get up and go spirit. Nothing can get this woman down. No matter what is happening to her or those around her, her smile and stubborn will always make things move forward.”
“At the event itself we were humbled by the spirit and encouragement. A gentleman with cerebral palsy swam the whole Midmar unassisted, using only the left side of his body.

“An able-bodied lady finished it long after the hour period lapsed, but there was a circle of lifeguards around her encouraging her to not give up. She finished with a standing ovation from the crowd.”
Their goal of “do not drown” has now become one of “swim at every event in SA in the next few years” and to also join the 25-er Midmar Club.
Anyone who wants to join them is more than welcome.
Their next expedition will be at the Ebenezer Dam on March 21. It has a 500-metre event for those just getting started.
Cronje and Van Rensberg would like to thank everyone involved.