Franco van Niekerk of NWU-Pukke racked up a number of outstanding swimming achievements at the 2017 Sasol National Winter Championships in Sasolburg from 3 to 8 July this year.

Van Niekerk swam seven items and medaled in four events, namely, 2 gold for the 400 m individual medley and 400 m Freestyle and 2 silver medals in 200 m freestyle and 200 m fly in the men’s 17 and over category. He also achieved a fourth place in the 100 m freestyle, a fifth place (100 m fly) and tenth in the 50-metre freestyle. Van Niekerk also achieved three personal swimming bests in the 400-metre individual medley, 50 m freestyle and 100 metres respectively.