A feel-good story: Gail Bristow swims 48th Midmar Mile

While many entrants had to settle for swimming pools in order to complete the event, one veteran participant wouldn’t let the pandemic hold her back from extending her unbeaten record at the aQuellé Midmar Mile.

The live event was largely limited to elite swimmers the previous week, with Michelle Weber and Michael McGlynn taking the women’s and men’s titles, and most participants entered the virtual Midmar Mile held around the country on Saturday and Sunday.

Gail Bristow, however, opted to travel from Cape Town to complete the race in a solo effort in KwaZulu-Natal.

Gail Bristow, who has participated in every Midmar Mile swim, said she missed the crowds this year. Picture: Supplied

Having completed the 1.6km event every year since the first edition in 1974, when she didn’t get a medal because women were not officially allowed to take part, Bristow was determined to complete her mile as planned.

“I was always going to make the trip, so when the swim changed to a virtual mile I decided to travel up from Cape Town anyway,” said the 61-year-old retired school teacher.

“It wouldn’t be quite the same swimming in a pool.”

While she had experienced all sorts of conditions at Midmar over the years, Bristow said this was a unique experience without the usual throngs of spectators and participants in attendance at the KZN dam during the world’s largest open water swim.

“I did miss seeing everyone at the start line but hopefully that can return next year,” she said.

“I had a really relaxed swim even though mostly on my own. Usually there are swimmers around me to follow or swim alongside. This year it was a solo swim.

“Conditions were a bit choppy for part of the way but it was a comfortable swim.”

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