Alberton swimming family makes waves

A father, his daughter, and his son share a deep love for swimming, and their passion drives them to compete together as a family.

André (53), Paiton (11) and Joseph (15) van der Merwe from Alberton spend time strengthening their bond and creating lasting memories in the water.

André began swimming competitively at a young age, eventually progressing to elite-level triathlon, where he represented South Africa and, later, Great Britain in triathlon until his late 30s.

“When we returned to South Africa, our young children dabbled in sport, but we wanted them to learn water safety. We got them into swimming, which they thoroughly enjoyed,” highlighted André.

At the time André gave up competing in triathlon but still cycled competitively. When Joseph and Paiton started getting impressively good at swimming, André returned to competitive masters swimming a few years ago.

“Cycling is a very time-consuming sport, and with recurrent injuries. I thought I would either sit and watch the children swim or join them, so I decided to join them and get back into competitive swimming. I no longer cycle, but we all swim together; it has become our family sport,” he added.

Joseph, who initially started swimming with Charlotte Louw, gave it up at 10. When he got to high school, Jeppe High School for Boys, he was required to play a summer and winter sport and signed up for water polo.

His swimming background helped him excel. He then made the Eastern Gauteng Aquatics (EGA) water polo team.

Having taken a break from water polo through winter last year, Joseph returned to training with swimming coach Charlotte Louw and, within 10 months, qualified for level three SA Regionals, where he achieved three finals, three top five, and three medals as part of the relay team at Delville Swimming Pool in Germiston.

He has made remarkable strides with a blend of natural talent and relentless determination, not only in swimming but also in cross country. “He is a natural,” highlighted his father.

Paiton has shown consistency. Last year, she obtained level two, and despite contracting Covid-19, this year she qualified for level three, eventually competing under trying circumstances.

“Her determination and perseverance over the past few years is impeccable – from having first swum level one in 2022, level two in 2023 and this year hitting level three – which is a huge achievement.”

“Achieving level three was a great experience for me, but next, I am aiming for SA Junior Nationals,” said the young swimmer.

To add to André’s accolades, this year he made the EGA team qualifying outright (not only as a master’s swimmer) for the SA Nationals Open Water in Marina Martinique, Jeffery’s Bay, where he received medals in the masters‘ category. He then returned to Johannesburg and swam the 39th SA Masters Swimming Championships at St Stithians College Aquatics Centre in Sandton where he received six medals.

Swimming isn’t just an exercise for them; it is a way for them to connect and unwind. The father leads by example, showing his children the value of dedication and perseverance.

“It is not for the accolades; we do it because of our love for swimming,” shared André.

The family of swimmers attributes much of their success to coach Charlotte Louw. Before Charlotte took an extended sabbatical earlier this year, André and his children trained with her in Alberton.

“I have trained with a variety of swimming coaches in my long years. Charlotte is very special. She has been an excellent mentor, and we remain grateful for her immense assistance in getting us all on the road to success,” said the trio.

Since her departure, Joseph has moved to Cardinals under the watchful eye of head coach Gerard Naus in Bedfordview.

Joseph shared: “It is a privilege training with a coaching legend among some of the top swimmers in the country.”
Joseph won three gold medals last week at the EGA Winter Championships. Paiton has joined Claire Baty in Alberton.

“Coach Claire has challenged me to consider other competitive swimming options. I am loving it.”

Three weeks ago, Paiton raced a 400m freestyle at an EGA gala for her first time and comfortably finished in the top 10. Paiton has also recently qualified to go to Alberton cross country champs, where she then qualified for the district’s cross country championships to represent Grace Trinity School for Girls.

Their rapid progress is a testament to their hard work, focus, and passion for swimming. With each championship or competition, the swimming trio continues to surpass expectations, proving that dedication can lead to impressive achievements.