Local swimmer off to FINA champs

Rynfield resident Shane Ramsay has been selected to represent South Africa at the fifth FINA Junior Open Water Championship in Seychelles from September 16 to 18.

The 15-year-old is part of the 20-member Swimming South Africa team led by coaches Cedric Finch, Adrian Goate and Chad Ho.

Shane earned his national call-up after his podium finish at the national open water championship in Jeffrey’s Bay in March where he competed in the 3km and 5km events.

This was his third consecutive year participating in the open water nationals. In 2020, he was selected for the SSA junior squad and last year he won a gold medal in his age category in the 3km event.

“Since Shane first participated in the open water swimming, he has pursued every opportunity and challenge in the sport,” said John Ramsay.

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“Besides the local and provincial competitions, he has completed four Midmar Mile swims and two Eastern Cape Championships. At the age of 13, he completed his first Robben Island Crossing, finishing the 7.5km swim in just over two hours,” added John.

Shane, who was last month transferred from St Dunstan’s College to Tuks Sports High School Swimming Academy, is also an established competitive swimmer.

“He has qualified to participate at the junior nationals for the past three years. In April in Gqeberha, he achieved two top-five placings in his age group in the distance swims at the nationals.”

He will compete in the 5km event at the FINA championship on September 16.

“This is an exciting time for all of us, as we are including our first relay squad for an Open Water Championship of this nature.

“It is important to note that the relay team forms an integral part of our team, as we strive to continually develop and prepare our current and future open water swimmers for international racing,” said SSA’s Neville Smith.

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