Fontainebleau pre-teen makes Midmar Mile debut
Christine Mandlbaur said the Midmar Mile taught her to never give up, and she realised that no matter your age, if you work hard and have determination you can do anything.
Fontainebleau resident Christine Mandlbaur (12) completed her first Midmar Mile on February 8 and 9, when the world’s largest open water event held its 52nd annual edition at the Midmar Dam in Howick.
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Young Christine explained that her experience was challenging, but good. She went with a group from school but was the only one in her grade that joined the challenge. “I had the opportunity do things alone, to be independent, and explore new areas. I didn’t have any of my friends with me, so, I had to be open to make new friendships, which was challenging, but it was an amazing experience for me.”
She competed in the U13 category, completing the event in 00:40:17. “I exceeded my expectations, and I believe I did pretty well for a first time. Practice always seems so long and tiring. This was rather quick, and it finished before I knew it. I feel like I did the best that I could, and gave it my all.”
Christine did not have it easy in the water. She explained that her biggest challenge was swimming past the people in front of her as it was crowded, which also slowed down her race. Despite the challenges, the young swimmer showed courage and finished the event. “It was really hard to see where I was going, so, I just had to follow the others. My favourite moment was finishing the race, and seeing my family and friends scream my name so loud. It was amazing. It was a fulfilling moment for me that I will cherish for a long time. I also enjoyed receiving the medal and the other gifts.”
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She further stated that it was her family, and her love for swimming and being in the water, that motivated her to compete in the Midmar Mile. “After spending the whole week in camp, I came back tired and didn’t want to do the race anymore, but my family was what motivated and encouraged me. To my surprise, on event day, my family and friends came to meet me at the Howick Falls, which gave me the last push to do it. I didn’t want to disappoint them, but it was fun after all.”
To stay fit and always ready for big events Christine swims four times a week, and is also part of the school swimming team, which keeps her up to date with training. She is now focusing on setting another impressive time at the Ebenezer Mile.
“I am working on beating the record that I set for myself. I am currently preparing for my next mile and my goal is beat my Midmar Mile record.”
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