Sportswoman from Old Eds completes 19th Midmar Mile

Although technically, Icely will state that she has actually swum 22, as on three occasions she had to swim it twice when she went back into the water to assist her children.

Icely is an all-round athlete, and on a number of occasions has completed the Comrades, Two Oceans Marathon, the Cape Argus cycle race and the 947 cycle race. Because of these achievements she was grouped in the Ironman/woman category at the Midmar Mile.

Additionally, Icely has also represented South Africa at duathlons and triathlons on more than one occasion.

“I was a little disappointed in my time this year of 00:32:41, 42 seconds slower – the dam level was lower this year,” she said.

“The start was bumpy with some 800 people in my category, and I was forced to stop a couple of times to adjust my goggles due to them leaking. Also I think the marathon I ran at Ottosdal six days previously might have sapped some energy from my legs.”

Despite this, she was still the first female to finish in her category, an achievement she has accomplished six times, including the last four years since her first swim in 1997.