Young swimmer makes a splash for cancer

North Coast Dolphins swimmer, Monica Botha is a force to be reckoned with in the pool.

The 13-year-old home schooled swimmer took part in her biggest competition yet at the 2019 SA National Junior Age Group Championship at Kings Park Aquatic Centre, Durban last week.

She was one of 740 swimmers from Southern Africa to take part in the five-day, long course (50 metre pool) competition.

This championship doubled as the official trials for the seventh FINA Junior World Swimming Championships.

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Monica entered eight events in the girls U12 age group and qualified for five out of the eight finals with four personal bests.

She achieved places in the top four for the 400m (5:02:30) and 200m LC (2:21:78) freestyle, seventh in the 100-meter freestyle in a time of 1:04:98 and sixth in the 50-metre freestyle (30:51). In the 200m IM (her favorite event), she finished fifth in a time of 2:45:45 and eighth overall in the 200m backstroke in a time of 2:45:03.

“I dedicated my races to The CHOC Cows (SA Childhood Cancer Foundation) and Gold in September (G9) which supports international childhood cancer research.

“I am always trying to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer and I am an ‘Everyday Hero’ for Gold in September,” said Monica.

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