DURBAN North resident, Michael McGlynn successfully defended his title by winning this year’s elite race at the aQuellé Midmar Mile.

Not since Chad Ho’s incredible run from 2010 to 2016 (seven titles) has there been a back-to-back winner of the men’s race.

Conditions at Midmar Dam, just outside Howick in KwaZulu-Natal, were ideal as the mist lifted to reveal glassy, flat water on the 1.6km course.

McGlynn said he certainly felt the same pressure as he dived and led from start to finish, hitting all the hotspots in front and crossing the line in 17 minutes 55. The tussle for the other places was a much fiercer one out in the water and on the slipway at the finish. Danie Marais eventually finished in second in 18:25 and 18-year-old Connor Buck in third six seconds later.

“Obviously the pressure was huge. It’s very different coming here the second time and trying to win compared to when you have no title and you’ve got nothing to lose. But God gave me the strength and I just kept the faith that I would not fall apart and just keep it together really. This race is becoming more of a sprint. I’m not looking for any records or anything like that but it’s great to defend and walk away happy. It’s great to have the pressure off.”

McGlynn has now shifted his attention to the National Open Water Championships which takes place this weekend as he aims to secure a spot on the South African Olympic open water swimming team.

“Midmar is always a great race at the beginning of the year to build-up to your best. It is also a great indicator of where you need to be. After seven months out of the pool because of the pandemic I’m aiming to qualify for the Olympic Games in Tokyo. I’m really excited and I’m staying positive about my chances of qualifying. I feel at this moment in time the open water swim is the perfect event for me and I feel like I’m on track to achieve my dreams,” he said.

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