Boskruin swimmer completes the Midmar Mile
Ten-year-old Miché Kranhold completed the Midmar Mile in 00:57:31, achieving her goal of finishing the open water swim in under an hour on her first try.
Ten-year-old Miché Kranhold showed courage beyond her years when she completed the Midmar Mile in 00:57:31, finishing well under her one-hour goal.
Miché first heard about the iconic open-water swim in 2025 while sitting at her local coffee shop. Two regular swimmers were sharing their annual Midmar stories, and their excitement inspired her to take on the challenge.
Read more: Fontainebleau pre-teen makes Midmar Mile debut
“I listened to them talking about how they do it every year, and it inspired me,” she said. “I wanted to try it too.”
Her decision was cemented in 2026 after she competed in a Tinman Mini Triathlon at Primeview. When she again saw the same swimmers training in the dam for Midmar, she decided she would enter the race the following weekend.
In the days leading up to the event, nerves and excitement took over. “I was so nervous and excited that I couldn’t stop talking about it,” she said. On race morning, those nerves intensified. “I was very, very nervous. I didn’t want anyone to swim over me.”
Her plan was simple: reach the halfway mark in good time and keep enough energy to finish strong. Once in the water, her nerves eased. “It felt absolutely amazing. It was a very hot day, and the water cooled me down.”
Also read: Randburg’s Tegan Pride gears up for Midmar Mile
The biggest challenge was mental. “I had to tell myself that I could do it and find my way through all the swimmers.”
Swimming beside her the entire way was her father, Rikus. “At first I suggested she try next year,” he said, noting the 1 610m distance was further than she had swum before. “But once we tested 1 250m at the gym the week of the race and she completed it comfortably, I knew she would be okay.”
When she spotted the finish, she pushed harder despite her fatigue. “I was very tired but so happy,” she said. Hearing her final time brought even more pride.
Rikus believes the achievement reflects her character. “She is a go-getter. When she wants something, she never quits.”
Now, Miché is already looking ahead. “I can’t wait to do it again next year. I want to improve my time.”
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