Hat-trick of honours for Ashton duo
Qualifying for nationals is an achievement in itself and both girls thanked Ashton Swim Academy coach Mel Lawrence for guidance and support.
Two Ashton International College Ballito pupils achieved an impressive hat-trick of provincial and national honours in the course of a month.
Jenna Ellse (Grade 11) and Beux Dempsey (Grade 9) matched each other beat for beat as training partners and friends, competing across three swimming and running events.
On March 11, the duo swam for KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) at the South African Open Water Championships in Jeffrey’s Bay, both claiming top 10 spots in their 3km age group categories.
Just a week later, they hopped back into the pool at King’s Park to face off against rivals from across the country in the SA Junior Nationals, proving they were equally comfortable in rough and calm water conditions.
Qualifying for nationals is an achievement in itself and both thanked Ashton Swim Academy coach Mel Lawrence for guidance and support.
Finally, Ellse and Dempsey somehow still had energy left to suit up for the SA Biathlon Championships in Stellenbosch earlier this month, claiming top 20 spots in the age groups countrywide (Ellse 11th, Dempsey 19th).
Biathlon consists of a swim and run, typically a 100m swim and 800m run for athletes older than 13.
Entrants compete in both events on the same day, straining completely different muscle groups and skills, proving that the girls have a bright sporting future on land and in water alike.
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