The 2025 SA Schools Swimming Championships, held from April 5 to 7 at the Stadium Pool in Bloemfontein, showcased the nation’s top young aquatic talents. Among the standout participants were Vryheid’s own Ashley Loch, Nadelija Pillay and Jessica Steyn, who proudly represented KwaZulu-Natal on this prestigious platform.
The event, organised by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS), brought together elite swimmers from across South Africa, competing in various disciplines including freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke and butterfly.
The results of these three swimmers are as follows:
Ashley Loch – 100m Back (seventh), 100m Medley Relay (bronze), 50m Back (fourth) and 50m Butterfly (fourth);
Nadelija Pillay – 100m Medley Relay (bronze), 50m Back (eighth), 100m Back (16th), 50m Free (ninth) and 50m Medley Relay (bronze);
Jessica Steyn – 100m Breast (fourth), 50m Breast (fifth) and 200m Breast (13th).
The achievement of these young athletes not only brings pride to their hometown of Vryheid, but also inspires upcoming swimmers in the region. Their participation at the SA Schools Championships serves as a testament to the strength and potential of local swimming programmes. Well done to these three swimmers; your hard work and perseverance have truly paid off and Vryheid Swimming Club is proud of you.
What a splendid event to end the successful swimming season in Vryheid – #for the love of swimming.

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The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.