Cristelle heads to Mexico
Cristelle Kriel (23) is the only S14-class swimmer in South Africa who has qualified for the World Para Championships in Mexico that will commence on Saturday.
The South African team departed on Monday morning from OR Tambo International Airport.
It was scheduled from September 30 to October 6, but was postponed due to an earthquake in Mexico City.
Kriel, who has been part of Nelspruit Swimming Academy (NSA) since 2015, missed the Rio Olympics qualifying time by 14 splits in the 100-metre back stroke.
“I am very proud of Cristelle. She has worked really hard throughout the season. It is a good step forward, as she just missed her spot on the plane to Rio last year,” said coach of NSA, Gideon du
Toit.
She will compete in the 100-metre backstroke, 100-metre fly and 200-metre individual medley (IM). There is a possibility that she will also be in action in the 200-metre freestyle.
Cristelle posted the qualifying times at the senior national championships held at Kingspark, Durban.
Personal best times
• 100-metre fly – 1:17:39
• 200-metre free – 2:29:29
• 200-metre IM – 2:48:34
• 100-metre back – 1:16:41.
