SA swimmers dominate at Midmar
Durban duo Robyn Kinghorn and Michael McGlynn won the women and men’s titles at the aQuellé Midmar Mile.
It was a day for South African celebrations as the Durban duo of Robyn Kinghorn and Michael McGlynn wrapped up the women and men’s titles at the aQuellé Midmar Mile.
International swimmers have dominated the elite events in recent years, with the last double home victory coming in 2016 from Michelle Weber and Chad Ho.
Those 2016 champions, who are both looking towards Tokyo 2020 Olympic qualification later in the year, were aiming for a repeat of that feat in this year’s race, but were beaten in dominant fashion.
Both Kinghorn and McGlynn mastered the choppy conditions to perfection.
They powered to the front of their respective races and could not be caught over the mile-long course.
Kinghorn chose a line across the dam that was well to the right of the chasing pack and it proved to work as she stayed in front to reach the finish in 21 minutes and 16 seconds.
Samantha Randle finished in second place 11 seconds later, with Victoria Earle in third in 21 minutes and 30 seconds. 2016 champion Weber was fourth.
“I’m burning on the inside, but I’m extremely happy with my race,” said 20-year-old Kinghorn afterwards.
“Everyone today swam their hearts out, I know that.
“The chop was extremely bad, so looking up I did get quite a few waves in my face. I didn’t really know where I was going, so swimming along and seeing the others in a bunch was quite concerning, but I just went for it and put my head down.”
The men’s race saw McGlynn also well out in front from the start as he relished the challenge of the rough conditions. Having finished second in last year’s race, the Durban swimmer was determined he’d finish in front this time, reaching the shore in 18 minutes and 26 seconds.
Seven-time champion Ho was second in 19 minutes and two seconds and Henré Louw finished in third five seconds later.
