Midmar VIP pass for Umzumbe’s George Watson

George Watson (76) of Umzumbe has secured his place among Midmar legends after completing his 50th aQuellé Midmar Mile this year.

Competing in the 71 to 78 age group, Watson crossed the finish line in a commendable 44 minutes – marking his half-century milestone at the world’s largest open-water swimming event in fitting style.

His Midmar story began in 1976 – a memorable year on many fronts.

“A special year for three reasons,” he explained. “Firstly, it’s the year I got married to Sharon, started a new job in finance and swam my first Midmar.”

His career in finance saw him and his family living in Pietermaritzburg, Newcastle and Durban before eventually settling in Umzumbe, where they built their home in 1981, and raised their two sons, Jeffery and Greg.

Since then – despite the moves and the demands of work – he has become a familiar face at the iconic KwaZulu-Natal dam, lining up at the start year after year.

Watson, is a well-known face on Umzumbe Beach and spends much of his time in the water, either swimming or scuba diving.

On a warm summer’s afternoon, it is easy to understand why he says life is good in the village of Umzumbe. His home is just a stone’s throw away from the sea, where the scent of the ocean drifts through the air, and his indigenous garden boasts an abundance of wild fruit.

Although he admits his preparation was different this year, it clearly paid off.

“I didn’t train for Midmar like previous years, but clocked about 30km of pool time,” he said.

This year’s milestone swim was made even more meaningful as he was joined by family members who travelled from near and far to share the moment.

His son Greg flew in from Singapore, nephews Brian from Cape Town and Gavin from the Netherlands took part, and grand-nephew Sebastian, also from Cape Town, swam alongside him in the same race. The family completed the mile together.

“It was awesome to have them here and swim the race with me,” he said.

Watson’s swimming roots run deep. He played underwater hockey, bodyboarded, and played water polo for the Seals, and recalls how the club would turn Midmar into an annual social highlight.

“The Seals would all go and swim, and we would make a day of it with either a braai or picnic after the swim – it became a yearly ritual.”

Over five decades, there have been countless memories, but one still stands out.

“My fastest time was 22 minutes and some change. We lived in Newcastle and on the way to the race we got stuck in traffic – somewhere around 1982 or 1983. I was dropped at the start and I ran. That year I did my best time. It may have been the adrenaline pumping,” he laughed.

He also recalls dramatic moments from earlier years.

“There was a hell of a storm in the late 1970s and waves of at least 2ft, but I jumped in and made it through the choppy and rough water,” he said.

“When we got home, Pietermaritzburg was a shambles with trees blown over.”

Watson noted that this year’s event attracted about 9000 swimmers, while before Covid-19 the dam accommodated up to 14 000.

Beyond the times and conditions, Watson says it is the friendships that have meant the most.

“I made a lot of friends through swimming and water polo, and Midmar was the one place I was sure to connect with them.”

Among those who have shared similar milestone achievements are Jill ‘Quix’ Quicke (50 finishes), Mike Pengelly (53), as well as Ted Townsend and David Russell – names that stand out for Watson.

Now with 50 finishes to his name, Watson has no intention of slowing down.

“I will swim for as long as I can,” he reckoned.

And the secret to keeping fit and healthy? “Just keep going.”

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