Swimmers prepare for the Chelmsford Challenge
The Chelmsford Challenge is sure to prove swimmers' endurance this February.
Endurance, mental strength and tenacity.
These three words best describe the exceptional swimming athlete that is Abigail Peters.
This Newcastle-born lass has made waves in the swimming arena thanks to her dedication and passion for the sport.
Ahead of the Chelmsford Challenge in February, Abigail has motivated herself to yet again take on this mammoth
competition and put her swimming skills to the ultimate test.
She completed her first Chelmsford Challenge at the age of six alongside her mentor, coach and mother Tharina.
“My mother is my number one fan. I don’t think I’d be able to do it without my mom and she’s my coach too, so that’s really nice,” says Abigail.
She began swimming at the age of three and hasn’t looked back since.
Although her swimming season schedule is intense, Abigail enjoys training the whole year round and only breaks for two weeks in the year.
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Aside from the Chelmsford Challenge, she competes in the South African National Open Water Swimming
Championships and has competed for three years now.
“I love open water and long distance swimming. It is different to swimming in a pool,” she enthuses.
In the women’s division, Abigail has always topped the log at the Chelmsford Challenge and attributes her success to
discipline, training and coaching by her mom.
“Training is imperative; it requires an immense amount of discipline.”
To swimmers looking to take on the Chelmsford Challenge, Abigail’s advice is that they cut out all sugar from their diet.
“Oats is an excellent source of energy and nutrition. I eat that before the Challenge and I also drink lots of coffee.”
Above other interests in her life, Abigail says swimming remains her number one priority.
“I always put swimming first, before friends and before going out,” she confirms.
After matriculating last year from St Dominic’s Newcastle, Abigail plans to pursue a career in teaching at Varsity
College in Pietermaritzburg this year.
“I absolutely love children and would consider going abroad to teach once I qualify.”
How to register for the Chelmsford Challenge:
The final date for pre-entries is the the 21st of February.
Athletes who register on or before this date must be at the Newcastle Swimming Club clubhouse on Drakensberg Drive at 5pm sharp.
Online entries close on February 22. Late entries can be made by calling 083 375 5883 although an additional R40 will be charged.
For more information, contact Allison on 072 444 8246.
The Chelmsford Challenge will take place at Ntshingwayo/Chelmsford Dam on February 24.
Overall winners will receive cash prizes. Male and female first, second and third finishers will receive medals in each
age category, and all competitors who complete the event will also be rewarded.
Prizes will also be awarded to the school with the most entries.
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Email: Reveshni Douglas (Editor) at reveshni@caxton.co.za
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