DEDICATED Midmar Mile entrants, Lynn and Lawrence Schroder have swum 61 crossings together over 44 years, earning them top spots in The 20 Year Club.
The husband and wife duo, from Athlone Park, are no strangers when it comes to participating in the world’s largest open water swim event. On February 11, they again completed the race well before the cut-off time, earning them medals and another crossing under their already commendable number.
“This number of crossings, compared to the years, is possible because we used to swim on the Saturday and Sunday,” said Lynn.
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She added that they really loved this special 50th Midmar, as conditions were perfect. “We did not swim last year as I had broken my arm, which was really sad for me, but made this year’s swim even more meaningful. The Midmar Mile is one of the highlights of our lives,” said Lynn.
In honour of them completing the Midmar Mile 20 or more times, the couple became part of the infamous 20 Year Club. With 44 years now behind them, Lynn, 78, proudly sits third from the top of the list, and Lawrence, 68, fifth.
To prepare themselves for the mile they train at the gym and in their home pool, as well as keep as fit and healthy as they can.
Before retiring, Lynn taught and was a counsellor at Kingsway High School for 26 years and Lawrence worked at Sapref as an instrument mechanic for 32 years. “I have taught swimming for over 60 years, and still am, to both adults and children. We have four children and seven grandchildren who also all love swimming,” she said.
The couple, who share a love for sports and travel, enjoy living a healthy and active lifestyle. Lawrence is a rock and surf Springbok angler and has run 12 Comrades Marathons, while Lynn is on her 96th Parkrun and is looking forward to getting her 100th award.
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