Duke’s a masters champion again
Toti lifesaver, Dale Duke successfully defended his beach flags national title at the masters championships for Lifesaving KZN at Toti main beach on Sunday, 9 March.
He also scooped a silver medal in the beach relay and a bronze in the beach sprint.
“I give God the glory for giving me the ability to defend my title once again,” said Dale, who first won the gold in flags in 2009. “I was pleased with my performance in the flags event on Sunday however, I felt I could achieve a lot more in the beach sprint. Having the champs in my home town placed more pressure on me as you have more family and friends supporting you and it’s easy to false start in the flags event, so you have to keep your wits and stay focussed.”
Dale keeps fit with cardio vascular training and he swims a lot.
He first started lifesaving in 1977. “I was sitting on Toti beach with my dad and saw young children my age training and I said to my dad I want to join this club and start training as a nipper. I enjoy meeting new people and making friends, the comradeship and what a better sport to have with sea, sand and sun at your disposal every day.”
Dale matriculated at Kingsway High School, where he participated in rugby and hockey.
He urges youngsters to start lifesaving. “It’s an opportunity to learn and understand the ocean and to respect the sea. It’s not only a sport where you get to test your skills, but also an opportunity to serve your community by keeping them safe, while also soaking up the East Coast sun. Amanzimtoti has been in existence since 1928 and has produced three Springboks in Mickey Sadler, Gary Brinkman and Michelle Burn. For any youngster looking for excitement and enjoyment, as well as providing first aid, lifesaving is a good sport to join.”
