VEREENIGING – At 89 years old, Dai Schulze proved that age is no barrier when he completed this year’s aQuellé Midmar Mile, held on February 7 and 8 at Midmar Dam in KwaZulu-Natal.

Schulze was recognised on the event’s official social media platforms as the oldest overall finisher of the 2026 race, making the Vaal proud.

“Just out of this world — Dai Schulze, the oldest overall finisher of the weekend at 89 years young. If that doesn’t inspire us, we’re not sure what will,” organisers posted.

The Midmar Mile, regarded as South Africa’s and the world’s largest open water swimming event, took place on February 7 and 8, drawing thousands of swimmers from across the country.

Speaking after his swim, Schulze described the conditions as favourable.

At 89, he was the oldest participant in this year’s Midmar Mile.

“It was better than before. The conditions were good. I battled two years ago, but today was alright,” he said.

He credited his family members — including his daughter Wendy, granddaughter Jenna, and grandsons Dylan and Daniel — for guiding him during the race.

“I must thank my pilots, because otherwise I would still be swimming in circles in the middle,” he joked.

Remarkably, Schulze only took up open water swimming later in life.

“My daughter and my grandson were swimming, so I thought I must join them,” he said.

He has now completed 13 Midmar Mile events.

Schulze was seen wearing a CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation-branded jammer, suggesting his swim may also have supported charity initiatives.

The Midmar Mile has raised millions of rands for charitable causes over the years.

When asked whether he has more swims left in him, Schulze smiled and replied: “I hope so.