Komati swimmers bring home medals from Mpumalanga Championship
Komatipoort's swimmers took several podium positions at the Mpumalanga Championship at Van Riebeeck Park in Mbombela over the weekend.
Although they may be a small club, achievements of Komatipoort Swimming Club during the past swimming season have earned the members spots among the top eight in the province in their various age groups.
Mel Stronkhorst received a gold medal for 50-metre breast stroke for men aged 24 and up, as well as a silver in 50-metre freestyle.
He and coach Stephan Kuhn took silver and bronze in the 50-metre backstroke. The club’s other coach, Kate Kuhn received a silver in 50-metre freestyle and butterfly.
Kari Bekker, Christn Engelbrecht, Riandi Kruger and Marli Esser won a bronze in the 200-metre free relay for girls aged 10 and up and the men aged 15 and older WG Engelbrecht, Corbin Visagie, Stephan Kuhn and Mel Stronkhorst won a bronze for their relay.
READ: Local swimmers gather medals, set new records at galas
WG Engelbrecht came in fourth in the 200-metre individual medley and Stephan Kuhn in the 200-metre freestyle.
Besides the aforementioned swimmers, other top eight achievers were Danie du Toit, Kobus Lourens, Xandri Botha, Zarlia Engelbrecht and Amé Bekker.
The men’s team ranked 12th overall from 20 teams and the women were 13th out of 19.
The coaches, who lead by example and also participate in competitions, are very excited about the future.The number of emerging swimmers of younger ages is growing and this year saw a larger number of swimmers participating.
READ: Local swimmers gather medals, set new records at galas
Swimmers put in a lot of hard work and practiced consistently for their achievements and the coaches put a lot of stock in swimmers aiming to improve their previous best.
For more information on the club or photos of the various competitions they’ve participated in this year, visit their Facebook page.
