The world’s largest open water swim event, the 41st Midmar Mile event again attracted thousands of swimmers to the famous Midmar Dam just outside Howick in KwaZulu-Natal over the weekend of 8 and 9 February.
Among those competing were Roodepoort’s very own local swimming fanatics from the Swimming Academy, based in Helderkruin.
According to Monique Cronje of the club, “A number of members took on the challenge in tough conditions described as windy and choppy. Some even said that the experience although exciting and adrenaline pumping, was as if they were swimming at sea.
“The most important was that all of our members successfully completed the race. Even first timers and siblings, Adriano (9) and Giuliana Vieira (7) as young as they are had no problem stepping up to the challenge.”
This achievement most certainly can be considered remarkable as the criteria for a person to be able to enter Midmar seems very strict. “Swimmers who cannot swim 1 600 metres in a pool in under 50 minutes are advised against entering,” the official Midmar Mile website confirms.
Other participants from the club who entered include Emma Steyn, Taryn Standing, Bradley Cock, John Millar (coach), Kerry Standing, Rob Spark, Kirstie Pedro, Kerry Millar and Gavin Spark.
This year’s event also had some interesting twists and sadly a rather tragic turn.
On the positive side Wanye Riddin, race organiser since 1991, said at an official press conference that a massive 14 687 swimmers signed up for the event. The good of humanity was even present as a number of swimmers participated to support beneficiaries such as Save the Rhino, the Pink Drive, the Red Cap Foundation, The Princess Charlene Foundation, Childhood Cancer Foundation of South Africa (CHOC) and a group of swimmers with disabilities. Sean Conway – known to have swum the length of Britain – was among the 20 swimmers raising money for Save The Rhino.
The race also saw an unexpected turn when it was reported that a man had gone missing. Police is reported to have launched a search for him.
