“This one is for Martin, who will always be in our hearts.”

These were the emotional words of Eliz-Maric Cronjé (17), who dedicated her 50-metre backstroke event at the SA National Aquatic Championships to her friend and swimming partner, Martin du Toit.

Du Toit, who also qualified for the national championships, passed away suddenly, a week before the championships.   Cronjé also customised her swimming cap for the race, in remembrance of her friend. She could not attend Du Toit’s funeral and paid tribute to him in the best way possible.

She finished 16th overall in the event (open category) that was held at the Kings Park Aquatic Centre in Durban from 10-16 April. This is a fantastic achievement for Cronjé, who closed a brilliant season on a high note.

She broke six North West records during the 2016 National Age Group Championships held in Port Elizabeth from 18-22 March 2016. She also broke Veronica Diering’s long-standing record in the 200 m individual medley – a time that has stood since the 1999/2000 swimming season.