Glen Anil resident defies the odds with true grit at Midmar Mile
While he placed third in the men’s physically disabled race at the event, the 37-year-old explained that a battle with mental health defined his race.
FOR Glen Anil resident David Williams, swimming this year’s aQuellé Midmar Mile was all about proving he could still do it.
While he placed third in the men’s physically disabled race at the event, the 37-year-old explained that a battle with mental health defined his race.
“All I wanted to do this year was finish. I wanted to prove to myself that I can still do it after struggling with my mental health. 2024 was probably one of the worst years of my life, I had a complete breakdown with severe panic attacks, I would suffer with spasms, lock jaw to the point where I wasn’t able to talk. It was completely uncontrollable and to be honest it was a very scary time for me.
“With my training and competing on the para surfing scene I would be up every morning at 03:00 and constantly on the go for six days a week. I also don’t do things halfheartedly and any thing I do I always give 200%. I got to a point where my body stopped which in turn affected my mind. I have been working hard on my mental health since then with a focus on meditation, yoga and positive affirmations. I signed up in January for the Midmar as a test to myself. I’ve fought a lot of battles in my life but this was by far the hardest I’ve ever had to face so I’m proud I did this Midmar for me to show I could still do it,” he said.
Williams, who was born without legs below the knee, also praised the thousands of swimmers who completed the famed mile at Midmar Dam.
“The Midmar Mile is an amazing event not just because it’s the world largest open water swim. Every participant has their own reason they are swimming it but what motivates me is seeing all the families, young children, disabled and elderly all swimming the same distance. It doesn’t matter what time you finish it in, it is all about finishing. That really speaks to the vibe of the event and the support from the crowd is immense,” he said.
This was Williams’ eighth Midmar Mile.
For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook, X or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here
