Seasoned swimmers dive into action in Mbombela
The 38th South African Masters Swimming Championships took place at the Van Riebeeck swimming pool, and a few additional activities awaited the participants.
Between 300 and 400 swimmers aged 19 and above competed in the South African Masters Swimming Championships held at the Van Riebeeck Park’s swimming pool in Mbombela between March 15 to 18.
The last time it was held here was in 1995.
Fourteen age groups participated in the various swimming events, ranging from 18 to 29 up to 90 to 94.
Swimmers competed in freestyle, backstroke, butterfly, breaststroke and relay events, as well as a 1km and a 3km open-water swim at Longmere Dam on Saturday, March 18.
ALSO READ: Pumas verras jong rugbyspeler wat teen lupus veg
Buddy Borstlap (90) of the Fish Eagle Masters Swimming Club in George broke the South African 100m backstroke record for the men’s 90-94 age group on the first day of the competition, by an incredible 31 seconds. The old record was 3:06.35, and he managed a time of 2:35.09. The previous record has been standing since 2000.
With his new record, Borstlap’s kidneys unfortunately failed, and he ended up in hospital. “I think he had had a problem before with his kidneys. It was a long day for him, as he was travelling for a whole day. Plus the Lowveld sun next to the swimming pool the following day did not help,” Tanya Livingston, the Fish Eagle Masters’ club captain, said. She added that it is important to stay well hydrated when partaking in events likes these.
ALSO READ: Christmas lights go up in Nelspruit Hospice’s aid
Luckily, Borstlap is out of hospital and is currently recovering.
The 38th SA Masters in Mbombela went swimmingly, and besides spending time in the pool, the seasoned athletes were treated to a happy hour at the Jock on March 16, as well as a club night in the city before their final day of competition on March 18.
