GALLERY: Exhilaration abounds at Chelmsford Dam
The annual Discovery Challenge proved to be a huge success, as avid swimmers took to the waters this past Sunday.
Avid swimmers met at Chelsmford Dam on Sunday morning, ready to tackle the annual Discovery Chelmsford Challenge.
Three divisions were open to swimmers, namely the three kilometre category, one kilometre swim division for men and a separate division for women, as well as the 500 metre fun swim.
As the swimmers readied themselves to dive into the chilly waters, spectators gathered around the dam to show their support.
Chad Ho, the popular South African who is considered one of the fastest professional open water swimmers in the world, having previously won the overall series title at the 2010 FINA World Cup, and won the Midmar Mile seven consecutive times, also participated in the event.
Although Mr Ho only returned from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on Saturday night, where he took part in a gala and clinched 19th place, he still found the energy to swim alongside local talent.
Mr Ho took part in both the three kilometre and one kilometre divisions.
“This was actually the second time I participated in the Discovery Chelmsford Challenge and it is an awesome venue. It really was a good day to swim,” he said.
While the crowds were not as big as he was used to at international tournaments, Mr Ho complimented the spectators on their team spirit.
Happy with his current placing in the swimming world, Mr Ho said he would soon participate in the South African championships in Cape Town before making his way to Portugal to take part in the Olympic qualifying meets.
He managed to secure first place in both the three kilometre and one kilometre divisions, proving what hard work and perseverance could achieve.
Johan Pieters from Champ Marketing, said the Discovery Chelmsford Challenge had truly grown over the years and the support was unbelievable.
He said the support of Discovery, Newcastle Municipality, Thirsti and the participants, made the day a huge success.
Chad Ho clinched victory in the three kilometre division with a time of 37:57. He was followed by Brett Manning with a time of 39:53. In third place was Juan-Jacques van der Hoogen with a time of 42:09.
In the one kilometre division men’s division, Chad Ho came first with a time of 12:21. Brett Manning came in a close second with a time of 12:48 and Dyan Yssel clinched third place with a time of 13:25.
In the one kilometre division, Abigail Peters clinched first position with a time of 14:09. She was followed by Kieryn Letley in second place with a time of 15.38 and Anke Fourie in third place with a time of 15.40.
