Swimmers brave the cold for open water series
Former pupil of Penryn College, Dylan Nortjé, who recently represented his country at who ITU World Triathlon Champs in Mexico, won the first leg of the LowMed Open Water Swim Series.
More than 60 swimmers conquered the cold at Longmere Dam in White River on Saturday.
There were three official categories, which covered distances of 400 metres, 1,5 kilometres and three kilometres. As an introduction to the sport for the young kids, there was a 100-metre fun swim.
Nortjé won the open-category of the 1,5-kilometre event in just 17:42. He is back in the Lowveld for a few weeks from the High Performance Centre in Pretoria.
Also see: Local athlete on his way to Mexico for world champs
Another well-known local athlete, Asher Biggs, took the honours in the junior male race in 20:01 while André de Beer was the first veteran out of the water in a time of 24:01.
Thelise Saunders was the first to finish and won the junior category of the 1,5-kilometre event in a time of 17:48. Natasha Neethling took first place in the open category with 28:51 while Michele Esterhuizen won the veterans’ race in 19:03.
Also see: GALLERY: Funky fun in open-water swim
Only three swimmers competed in the three-kilometre event, which was won by Chris Stapley in a time of 42:54, followed by Bruce Theron (51:30) and Marc Ward (56:09).
Jethro Foord (8) won the 400-metre open men’s race in 12:06. Kendell de Beer took first prize in the women’s race (9:51).
Organiser Taryn Field said this is the only event of its kind in the province and was happy with the number of entries, considering it was school holidays.
Although this is not a sanctioned event, it is great practice for open-water swimming in a safe environment. It is also good training for triathlons, the Midmar Mile and Ironman races,” she said.
“Although the water was a bit cold, the weather was perfect for swimming. We had several first-timers who tried out open-water swimming, and the feedback we received was very positive.”
The next legs of the series will be on November 19. According to Field, these will be timed events but all swimmers are encouraged to come out and participate.
“We hope families will bring their picnic baskets and make a day of it,” she concluded.
Entries are open online at www.lowmed.co.za and each entrant will receive a free cap. You can also enter on the day 30 minutes before the start of each event.
Results
3km
Veteran men
1. Chris Stapley – 42:54
2. Bruce Theron – 51:30
3. Marc Ward – 56:09
1,5km
Junior men
1. Asher Biggs – 20:01
2. Frans-Josef Mentz – 20:15
3. Seth Sproule – 21:05
Open men
1. Dylan Nortjé – 17:42
2. Altus Neethling – 28:37
3. Geneviere Venter – 28:55
Veteran men
1. André de Beer – 24:01
2. Laurens Kritzinger – 24:14
3. Frans Mentz – 27:43
Junior women
1. Thelise Saunders – 17:48
2. Rebecca James – 25:04
Open women
1. Natasja Neethling – 28:51
2. Yolandi Human – 35:30
Veteran women
1. Michele Esterhuizen – 19:03
2. Karen Tod – 28:11
3. Karen James – 30:45
400m
Open men
1. Jethro Foord – 12:06
2. Derek Putter – 12:22
3. D-Ben de Winnaar – 12:40
Open women
1. Kendell de Beer – 9:51
2. Shannon Tod – 9:54
3. Carla Davis – 11:19.
See more of the swimmers in action below:
