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Fresh & Hungry – Henré Louw

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Henré Louw is part of a host of young stars emerging from the Swimming SA system. He is talented an multi-faceted young man who excels in Open water and competitive swimming. He has proudly represented our beautiful nation internationally where he gained valuable lessons and life experience. His has a wonderful mixture of skill, pace and endurance in the waters.

When asked “Who are you”, he says: It is a difficult question to answer.  I see myself as a normal teenager who started dreaming about my career at a very young age as I want to represent South Africa on the highest level I will be able to go.  For this reason, I do have to make sacrifices my friends and family do not always understand or appreciate.  When going out, I must think what I drink, what I eat and how late I want to stay up in order to give my best the next morning in the practice pool.  But I want people to see this characteristics in me, and to make them believe they can dream big too, if they are willing to work harder than they play”.

Athlete: Bio / Stats
Name & Surname Henré Louw
Nick Name None
Date of birth 2002-02-10
Place of birth Pretoria
Current City Pretoria
Height 1,83m
Weight 69kg
Shoe Size 9
Club TUKS
Coach’s Name Linda de Jager
Out of Country events/ meets Hong Kong, Cyprus, Doha, Mauritius, Mozambique
Secondary Sport/ sports Waterpolo
Favorite City Italy
Favorite Song/ type of music Ed Sheeran – Dive
Favorite Movie Kingsman the Golden Circle
School & Grade Afrikaans Hoër Seunskool Gr 9
Sponsors ARENA
Twitter and Instagram names, facebook name henre.louw
Web site https://kydrin.co.za/goals/view/399
Community / church projects involved in NG Kerk – Lynnwood
Parents Names, siblings Pieter and Lomé Louw (parents)

Older brother – Pieter Louw

INTERVIEW:

Q: You are passionate and doing so well in your Swimming, tell me a little bit about how you started in Swimming and your journey in the Swimming arena up to now?

I started swimming when I was 11.  I was fortunate to do a TV program on Disney Channel with Cameron van der Burgh where I held his golden Olympic Medal.  This is where my journey and dreams started.  I had many hiccups on my way up to now.  I tore my ligaments and had fractures in my ankle after attending a trampoline party just before a big swim event.  My appendix needed to be removed also before SA Short Course last year.  Luckily incredible doctors crossed my path.  I will always be thankful:  Dr Stoffberg, Dr Mook, Dr Kelbrick, Dr Van Onselen and Physiotherapist Louis Olivier.

I must give accolade to coach Linda de Jager on this jouney of mine, she is the one person that takes all my nonsense every day!

Q: Who are you? 

It is a difficult question to answer.  I see myself as a normal teenager who started dreaming about my career at a very young age as I want to represent South Africa on the highest level I will be able to go.  For this reason, I do have to make sacrifices my friends and family do not always understand or appreciate.  When going out, I must think what I drink, what I eat and how late I want to stay up in order to give my best the next morning in the practice pool.  But I want people to see this characteristics in me, and to make them believe they can dream big too, if they are willing to work harder than they play.

Q: You have just done some international swimming. Congrats! How did you experience it? Lessons learned?

Attending the World Cup in Doha and Hong Kong made me realized very quickly that swimmers all around the world are equal.  To describe it better, I rode in the bus with all the top swimmers like Katinka Hosszu and Chad le Clos, Cameron van der Burgh and Sarah Sjostrom to the events. There is not a “better” bus for the “better” ranked swimmers.  I also realized my swim family is not only the other swimmers practicing with met at TUKS.  The swimmers mentioned above treat you equally and to any other competitor, even when you are much younger and less experienced.  I try to make a new swim friend at every meet or gala I attend.

Q: What is the highest accolade that you have achieved in Swimming and what is your greatest personal accomplishment?

I represented South-Africa in Mauritius in December 2017 in the CANA ZONE 4 Junior Open Water Swimming Championships where I won the 5km and 3km.  This was swimming with a view!  Our relay team also won gold.

Q: Would you like to share a little bit more about your faith journey and how it has affected your life / sports?

Sometimes you attend a swim gala or a meet and nothing goes according to your plan.  It is in these times you must remember it is not your plan but God’s plan for your life.  And everything always works out perfectly according to His plan for your life.

Q: What do you do to relax?

To my mom’s agony I do like square objects.  Watching TV, play XBox, lying on the sofa staring at my cellphone, I also watch movies with my brother and friends.

Q: In your opinion, what is the value of Education in a young person’s life?

Hard to believe, but there is life after swimming. For this reason one should never neglect the education given to you.  I do believe if the education system in South Africa can benefit all, we will be the top country in the world.  My father’s favorite saying is:  “You have two ears, and one mouth for a reason.”  Learn from words spoken by other.

Q: So, you are a brilliant athlete and academic– but name 1 thing that you suck at 🙂

I do struggle to be neat….. (My mom is going to love my honesty about this one).

And then hard to admit, but I suck at Monopoly!

Q: What is your personal favourite motivational quote?

I am not talented, I am obsessed – Conor McGregor

Q: What is your favourite Bible / Scripture quote?

Give God your weaknesses, and He will give you His strength.

Q: What’s your WHY ?  Why do you do what you do? What type of influence do you see yourself having on our nation’s and continent’s youth?

MY WHY: To worship God by the talent He gave me.

FOR THE YOUTH:  Never ever give up.

I am asked to swim the 8 Mile for CANSA at Midmar Mile 2018.  The reason for me saying yes to this project;  I am living my dream, and by swimming the 8 Mile I hope to put a dream back in another one’s heart to stay positive and keep fighting.  If you want to read more please go to https://kydrin.co.za/goals/view/399

Tannie Cresi, thank you for interviewing me.  I am still a no-namer in the sport, but people like you give me hope for the future as you believe in me!   Regards Henré

Thank you so much for taking this interview. We would like to wish you all the best for your journey ahead. We look forward to following you as you go from strength to strength. Blessings!

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STRONG COMMONWEALTH GAMES TEAM NAMED FOR GOLD COAST 2018

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SASCOC have named a powerful team to represent the rainbow nation at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in Australia between 4-15 April. Team South Africa athletes will do battle across 16 codes, including para-sports athletics, lawn bowls, swimming, table tennis and power-lifting.
Sporting codes with South African participation are the following: athletics, badminton, bowls, boxing, cycling (mountain bike, road, track), gymnastics, hockey, netball, rugby sevens, shooting, table tennis, triathlon, weightlifting and wrestling.
The men’s sevens rugby team will only be announced at the end of February. Other team sports will see women’s rugby sevens, men’s and women’s hockey sides and the women’s netballers in action while there are also team disciplines in track cycling and triathlon.


‘As SASCOC we’re very excited to deliver this team for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games,’ says SASCOC President Gideon Sam. ‘Many hours of planning have gone into preparing this team. Two years out from the Tokyo Olympics, these Games are a great platform to see where our sportsmen and women, both established and developing, are on the world stage.
‘You will see that it’s a great blend of experience and raw talent and I’m confident we’ll once again be right up there with the cream of Commonwealth countries and looking to improve on our seventh place on the medals table in Glasgow four years ago. I urge every athlete to go to Australia and be the very best athlete they can be and fly the rainbow nation’s flag high.’
Project Manager and Chef de Mission for the Team, Ezera Tshabangu commented. ‘The selection process has been a tough one given that for the first time, the CGF had a hybrid selection process where some sports had open selection while some had specific qualification criteria set by the IFs and CGF. The High Performance Commission played a key role in assessing every name put forward for consideration before making recommendations to the Board.’
‘We wish all the selected athletes and officials the best in their final months of preparation for the Games and trust that the team will meet the objective of improving the 7th place position attained in the Glasgow 2014 Games,’  added Tshabangu.

SASCOC Acting CEO, Patience Shikwambana also wished the team well. “I believe we have a strong team with established stars who have excelled exceptionally on the international arena including at renowned events such as the Olympics, Paralympics and previous Commonwealth Games as well.
“It is my hope that the team improves on the medal count South Africa achieved in Glasgow in 2014 so that we continue to progress in our performances and build a stronger brand on the international front,’ Shikwambana concluded.

Aquatics is the biggest code in terms of numbers with 28 (23 swimmers, three divers and two para-swimmers). Athletics and cycling both feature 18.

Two codes, para-table tennis and para-powerlifting both have just one competitor.
Aquatics boasts the two youngest members of the team, in the form of Luan Grobbelaar and Dune Coetzee, both aged 15 while lawn bowler Princess Schreuder, at 67, is the oldest competitor in the team.
The team includes Rio Olympics gold medallist track athlete, Caster Semenya, silver medallist swimmers Cameron van der Burgh and Chad le Clos, field athletes Luvo Manyonga and Sunette Viljoen and bronze medallists Henri Schoeman (triathlon) and the men’s rugby sevens side.
Para-sport also features Rio Paralympics double gold medallist Charl du Toit and gold medallists, Hilton Langenhoven, Reinhardt Hamman and Dyan Buis.
Since being admitted back into the global sports family, South Africa have sent teams to six Commonwealth Games around the globe starting with the 1994 Games in Victoria, British Colombia. During this period they have finished fifth on the medals table on three occasions (Kuala Lumpur, 1998; Melbourne, 2006 and New Delhi, 2010).
At the last Games, in Glasgow four years ago, the team ended seventh with a total medal count of 40 (13 gold, 10 silver and 17 bronze).

Team SA for Gold Coast Commonwealth Games:
AQUATICS

Swimming

Women: Erin Gallagher, Tatjana Schoenmaker, Dune Coetzee, Kate Beavon, Kaylene Corbett, Emily Visagie, Marlies Ross, Nathania van Niekerk, Kristin Bellingan, Mariella Venter and Emma Chelius
Men: Ayrton Sweeney, Cameron van der Burgh, Chad le Clos, Jarryd Baxter, Brad Tandy, Brent Szurdoki, Martin Binedell, Ryan Coetzee, Eben Vorster, Luan Grobbelaar, Calvyn Justus and Michael Houlie.
Para-swimming: Christian Sadie, Kaleb van der Merwe

Diving

Nicole Gillis, Micaela Bouter, Julia Vincent

ATHLETICS

Women: Caster Semenya, Sunette Viljoen and Wenda Nel.
Men: Akani Simbine, Antonio Alkana, Constant Pretorius, LJ van Zyl, Lebogang Shange, Wayne Snyman, Luvo Manyonga, Ruswahl Samaai, Phil-Mar Janse van Rensburg and Breyton Poole.

Para-athletics:

Women: Juanelie Meijer
Men: Ndodomzi Ntutu, Hilton Langenhoven, Dyan Buis, Charl du Toit, Union Sekailwe, Reinhardt Hamman and Juanre Jenkinson

BADMINTON
Women: Elsie de Villiers, Johanita Scholtz and Michelle Butler-Emmett
Men: Bongani von Bodenstein, Cameron Coetzer and Prakash Vijayanath

BOXING
Siyabulela Mphongoshi and Sinethemba Blom.

CYCLING

Road:

Women – Ashleigh Moolman Pasio
Men: Willie Smit, Nicholas Dlamini, Clint Hendricks and Brendon Davids

Track:

Women: Charlene du Preez, Elfriede Wolfaardt, Ilze Bole, Danielle van Niekerk and Adelia Neethling
Men: Steven van Heerden, Nolan Hoffmann, David Maree, Joshua van Wyk and Gert Fouchè

Mountain biking:

Women: Mariske Strauss and Cherie Redecker

Men: Alan Hatherly

HOCKEY
Men’s team: Gowan Jones, Siyavuya Nolutshungu, Daniel Bell, Jethro Eustice, Gareth Heyns, Tyson Dlungwana, Austin Smith, Daniel Sibbald, Timothy Drummond, Reza Rosenburg, Ryan Julius, Owen Mvimbi, Clinton Panther, Nqobile Ntuli, Abdud-Dayaan Cassiem, Keenan Horne, Tevin Kok and Ryan Crowe.
Women’s team: Phumelela Mbande, Nicole la Fleur, Erin Hunter, Nicole Walraven, Lisa-Marie Deetlefs, Celia Evans, Nicolene Terblanche, Shelley Jones, Quanita Bobbs, Kristen Paton, Ilse Davids, Stephanie Baxter, Ongeziwe Mali, Dirkie Chamberlain, Candice Manuel, Sulette Damons, Jade Mayne and Bernadette Coston.

LAWN BOWLS
Women: Elma Davis, Esme Kruger, Nicolene Neal, Colleen Piketh and Johanna Snyman
Men: Gerald Baker, Petrus Breitenbach, Jason Evans, Josephus Jacobs and Morgan Muvhango

PARA-LAWN BOWLS
Women: Princess Schroeder
Director: Annatjie van Rooyen
Men: Tobias Botha, Willem Viljoen, Christopher Patton and Philippus Walker
Director: Graham Ward

NETBALL
Bongiwe Msomi, Karla Pretorius, Erin Burger, Izette Griesel, Maryka Holtzhausen, Danelle Lochner, Phumza Maweni, Precious Mthembu, Shadine van der Merwe, Ine-Mari Venter, Zanele Vimbela and Lenize Potgieter

RUGBY SEVENS
Men’s team: To be announced end of February
Women’s team: Nadine Roos, Eloise Webb, Unathi Mali, Rights Mkhari, Zintle Mpupha, Veroeshka Grain, Zenay Jordaan, Marithy Pienaar, Mathrin Simmers, Christelene Steinhobel, Chane Stadler and Zinthle Ndawonde

SHOOTING
Bartholomeus Pienaar, Pierre Basson, Arno Haasbroek and Andre du Toit.

TRIATHLON
Women: Gillian Sanders and Simone Ackermann.
Men: Richard Murray, Henri Schoeman and Wian Sullwald.

WEIGHTLIFTING
Johanni Taljaard, Mona Pretorius and Celestie Engelbrecht

WRESTLING
Jan Louwrens Combrinck, Terry van Rensburg, Johannes Botha, Michael Gaitskill and Martin Erasmus.

PARA-POWERLIFTING
Ricardo Fitzpatrick

PARA-TABLE TENNIS
Theo Cogill

Issued by SASCOC

Home Interviews Sports Swimming

Meet the young Athletes – Tasneen Ebrahim

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Today we chat to Tasneem Ebrahim, a proud daughter of Nelson Mandela Bay who has done her part in in showing humility, a champion’s heart and excellence in the swimming arena. She is driven by hard work, lot of fun and a  joie de vivre that is contagious. She has proudly represented our beautiful nation and shown the steel that she is made of. “A girly girl” on the inside but lined with steel.

Her views on education is that it is a great equiliser.  She says this about herself  “ I am a very happy, go- lucky person and love to reach my full potential in everything that I do.  I love to joke around and have fun with friends and have the reputation as the person that can tell the lamest jokes or always have a pun ready. A few characteristics that I would love to take with me now and for the future is stay dedicated, disciplined, work hard and enjoy every second of it. Because if you do something you love every day, you will never get tired of it”.

 

 

Virtrix Ludorum – Top Female Swimmer – NMU Madibaz Gala 2017

 

Athlete: Bio / Stats
Name & Surname Tasneen Ebrahim
Nick Name Tazz
Date of birth 16th of September 2002
Place of birth Port Elizabeth
Current City Port Elizabeth
Height 175 cm
Weight 66kg
Shoe Size 7
Club PEA
Coach’s Name Mark Edge
Out of Country events/ meets Swimming: CANA Zone 3 Games held in Rwanda (2016)

Open water: LEN Cup held in Rome, Italy (2017); CANA Zone 4 Junior Open Water Championship held in Mauritius (2017)
Secondary Sport/ sports Hockey
Favorite City Rome
Favorite Song/ type of music All music
Favorite Movie All types, especially sci-fi.
School & Grade St Dominic’s Priory , Grade 10 (2018)
Sponsors None
Twitter and Instagram names, facebook name Instagram: tazz_ebrahim

FaceBook: Tasneen Ebrahim Swimming, @TasneenSwimming
Community / church projects involved in St. Dominic’s Priory Interact Club
Parents Names, siblings Mother: Melisa Ebrahim.

Father: Reza Ebrahim.

Younger sister: Jenah Ebrahim

Sportsman of The Year 2016 Award present by SA Olympic swimmer Jessica Roux

INTERVIEW:

Q: You are passionate and doing so well in your Swimming tell me a little bit about how you started in Swimming and your journey in the Swimming arena up to now?

I started getting into swimming at a very young age due to the fact that I had battled with asthma and was recommended by my doctors to start swimming to help me regulate my breathing. I only started the competitive side of swimming in about Grade 5. My first gala I managed to swim a level 1 qualifying time and then from that moment on I’ve fallen in love with the sport. From a newbie swimmer to being chosen to represent our country at various international events and qualifying for various other nationals.

Q: Firstly – you have been blessed to have been part of Team SA recently –  Congrats! How did you experience it?

Thanks you so much! I found racing internationally and against other countries can be really exciting. It was a huge learning curve for me. Watching the best in the World get ready before big races, how they warm up and various other things was amazing. Overall I loved every second of it,  and experiencing all the different cultures of each country and meeting so many swimmers across the globe and being in a team with some of the best swimmers in South Africa was incredible. Also the opportunity to be a representative and ambassador for SA was a big responsibility and great honour for me.

Team SA in Rwanda at the CANA Games

Q: Who are you? Describe yourself as a person.

I am a very happy, go- lucky person and love to reach my full potential in everything that I do.  I love to joke around and have fun with friends and have the reputation as the person that can tell the lamest jokes or always have a pun ready. A few characteristics that I would love to take with me now and for the future is stay dedicated, disciplined, work hard and enjoy every second of it. Because if you do something you love every day, you will never get tired of it.

Medals won in Rwanda at the CANA Games 2016

Q: What is the highest accolade that you have achieved in Swimming and what is your greatest personal accomplishment?

My highest accolade was being selected for the national squad for Open Water. My greatest personal achievements happens at every one of my races and practices because I know that I have achieved more today than I had the day before.

Q: Beside your swimming what do you have a passion for?

I have a passion for many sports , but mostly hockey. I love indoor hockey and field, and often try and make time for the sport. It allows me a bit of team sport, socializing and a release of some feistiness.

Q: In your opinion, what is the value of Education in a young person’s life?

The value of education in a young person is very important. Education allows us the opportunity to experience and prepare us for our future, whether it’s the basic education of reading and writing to chemical equations; education is what gives us the benefits of knowing what is happening in the world around us and how we fit in.  It helps us to be able to contribute in a positive way and an equal chance at life.

Q: Tell me one thing about yourself that the world does not know 🙂?

I’m secretly a girly girl.

Q: So, you are a brilliant swimmer and academic – but name 1 thing that you suck at 🙂

I can’t cook… at all.

Team SA Relay in Rwanda

Q: What are you most grateful for in your life at the moment?

I’m out of this world grateful for my family, for supporting me in every one of my decisions and giving me every opportunity to reach my dream one day. I’m also grateful for each one of my supporters out there, who always send me good luck messages and personal ones too. I thank each of them for believing in me and always putting a smile on my face.

 

Q: Which athlete inspires you and why?

Katinka Hosszu, AKA “The Iron Lady”, because she always pushes the boundaries of swimming and drives herself to achieve her full potential. She has single-handedly changed the face of female swimming, gone from seeing women as a weaker sex to seeing us as equal.

Q: In your opinion, how do you define success in life / how do you define a successful person?

To define success in life is to be happy with what you doing and that you are pushing yourself to the absolute most. The result should reflect on the amount of work put into your goal and if it all matches up … I say that’s success!

Meeting Chad Le Chlos

Q: What’s your WHY ?  Why do you do what you do?

I do this because I love it. It’s my thing and it’s something that separates me from the rest of the world. I don’t only for myself , but hope to one day be a role-model for every little girl out there who thinks their dreams are bigger than themselves. No dream is to big or to small, and to reach for the stars. And to never ever give up, no matter what anyone tells you, because it’s your dream … now go and chase it.

Q: Anything else you would like to share?

Yes, thank you, I want to share a quote that I learnt a long time ago, something that when others said I was silly to be swimming “all the time” and something I needed to continue to focus on my dreams…

“Today I will do what others won’t, so tomorrow I can do what others can’t.” – Jerry Rice

Spar River Mile Top 10 finish on debut – 2017

Thank you so much for taking this interview. We would like to wish you all the best for your journey ahead. We look forward to following you as you go from strength to strength. Blessings!

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Fresh & Hungry – Natasha Cornelius

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Natasha Cornelius, brilliant and motivational young swimmer opens the year for us on a high note in style and in excellence.

 

Wise and grounded in her faith in Christ, she stands tall in what she believes in. She talks from the heart about being a twin alongside her swimming sis.  She is a true inspiration for our younger athletes with her positive vibe. She has a caring heart for her team mates and loves giving back by engaging and making small children laugh.

 

She say about herself “I am daughter, sister, friend and cousin. I am a swimmer, hard worker, dedicated and passionate person.  But most importantly, I am a child of God. I would like to see patience increased within myself as I grow into my future”.

 

Athlete: Bio / Stats
Name & Surname Natasha Cornelius
Nick Name Tash, Tasha or Natash
Date of birth 8 November 2001
Place of birth Centurion
Current City Pretoria
Height 1,70 m
Weight 60 kg
Shoe Size 6
Club Pretoria Aquatic Club
Coach’s Name Eugene da Ponte
Out of Country events Golfinhos Sprint Gala
Secondary Sport Hockey until end Gr9
Favorite City New York City
Favorite Song/ Type of music My type – The Chainsmokers
Favorite Movie The lucky one
School & Grade Die Hoerskool Menlopark, grade 11
Twitter/Instagram/Facebook Instagram – Natasha.cor
Parents Names, siblings Mom – Dalene

Dad – Richard

Brother – Jean-Michael

Sister – Chante

INTERVIEW:

Q: You are passionate and doing so well in your Swimming tell me a little bit about how you started in Swimming and your journey in the Swimming arena up to now?

My parents sent us to learn how to swim when we were small.  Being at Hatfield Christian School where swimming was one of their main sports, we swam for the school team.  Throughout all of this, my talent for swimming was fully developed. Through swimming I learned a lot and not only about the sport, but also some valuable life lessons, such as “never to give up” “there are times that you need to push hard and then there is times to rely on your team” just to mention a few.   I’ve achieved personal goals, which I’m proud of. And it has given me the opportunity to meet new people, which fit in with my love of people.

Q: You are part of a twin – how are you experiencing this in the swimming arena?

At first it was difficult to leave the rivalry at the pool and to not bring it home with us.  Both of us are very competitive which makes it a real challenge at times. It was a challenge to be happy for my sister when I’m disappointed in myself and my own performance. It took time but eventually we learnt to be proud of each other. Sometimes one is just better on the day. That being said, I cannot be happier when my sister achieves one of her goals.

Q: Who are you? 

I am daughter, sister, friend and cousin. I am a swimmer, hard worker, dedicated and passionate person.  But most importantly, I am a child of God. I would like to see patience increased within myself as I grow into my future.

Q: What is the highest accolade that you have achieved in Swimming and what is your greatest personal accomplishment?

I have won a bronze medal at Jnr Nationals 2016 and have made a few semifinals at SA Short course in 2017. Made SA Schools team in 2017.

My greatest personal accomplishment would definitely have to be within the swimming arena.  One of my greatest and proudest achievements was when I swam the 100m Freestyle in 59.80sec, – under 1 minute in the previous season.

Q: Besides your swimming what do you have a passion for?

I have a passion for small children and making them laugh.  Music is another great love where I can lose myself.

Q: Tell me one thing about yourself that the world does not know 🙂 ?

I don’t eat butter or pepper ever.

Q: So, you are a brilliant swimmer and academic – but name 1 thing that you suck at 🙂

I suck at singing but I really wish I could sing though.

Q: Do you want share a little on your faith journey so far?

Christ died for me so I swim for him.  I believe in a personal relationship with Jesus, listening to Christian music to inspire me and always trust in that inner voice of the Holy Spirit.

Q: What are you most grateful for in your life at the moment?

I am grateful for my family and the people my life.  Those people that never gives up on me.

Q: In your opinion, how do you define success in life? 

Success to me is when someone achieves a goal no matter the size of it. It is when they feel they have accomplished something. A successful person is someone who never gives up on their will to get to a goal or achieve something and then living that dream of purpose.

Q: What’s your WHY ? 

I love swimming because of the talent God has given me. It is a part of me and I don’t think I can live without it. I’d like to be an example to younger children to never give up on your dreams and talents.  Always work hard and believe in yourself.  They must understand my morals as well as my commitment to everything I do in life.  In everything, be excellent, not just average.   I do everything to please God because he is the reason that I live. My team mates have become like a second family to me as I spend a lot of time with them. They understand me and go through the pain with me. I love the burn after a good set.

Q: Anything else you would like to share?

Do everything to the best of your ability because the things we take for granted other people are praying for. The only difference between try and triumph is a little umph.

Thank you so much for taking this interview. We would like to wish you all the best for your journey ahead. We look forward to following you as you go from strength to strength. Blessings!

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The Commonwealth Games Trials concluded

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Durban, Thursday, 21st December 2017  – The Commonwealth Games Trials in Durban successfully concluded today with 29 athletes swimming a total of 47 qualification times during the six-day competition.

The 2018 Commonwealth Games will take place in the Gold Coast, Australia from 4th to 15th April, and the final team to represent South Africa will be selected and announced by SASCOC in accordance with the SASCOC Selection Policy.

Jarryd Baxter and Ayrton Sweeney celebrated their third Commonwealth Games qualification times, while Neil Fair added his name to the long list in the 200m individual medley. Baxter topped the medal podium in 2:00.99 ahead of Sweeney in 2:01.64 and Fair in 2:04.28. The Commonwealth requirement stood at 2:04.43.

Dune Coetzee and Kristin Bellingan’s outstanding performance in the 400m freestyle earned them Commonwealth Games qualification times in 4:14.53 and 4:17.74, respectively, while the bronze medal went to Abi Meder in 4:22.62.

In the 200m individual medley age group races, Luca Holtzhausen was once again on top of the world, winning the event in a new KZN Record time of 2:10.71, shedding 1.79secs off his own record from earlier in the year and bringing his tally up to twelve gold medals in six days of competition.

Connor Reinders (11) and Matthew Sates (14) claimed victories in their respective age group individual medley events in 2:44.55 and 2:12.64.

Final list of Qualifying Times – Commonwealth Games:

  • Calvyn Justus – 100m backstroke (55.57)
  • Calvyn Justus – 100m freestyle (50.35)
  • Ayrton Sweeney – 200m breaststroke (2:11.64)
  • Ayrton Sweeney – 400m individual medley (4:16.53)
  • Ayrton Sweeney – 200m individual medley (2:01.64)
  • Erin Gallagher – 100m butterfly (58.93)
  • Erin Gallagher – 50m freestyle (25.35)
  • Erin Gallagher – 100m freestyle (54.93)
  • Brent Szurdoki – 400m freestyle (3:53.24)
  • Brent Szurdoki – 1500m freestyle (15.30.83)
  • Cameron van der Burgh – 100m breaststroke (59.89)
  • Michael Houlie – 100m breaststroke (1:01.98)]
  • Mariella Venter – 100m backstroke (1:02.55)
  • Chad le Clos – 200m freestyle (1:48.28)
  • Chad le Clos – 200m butterfly (1:58.01)
  • Chad le Clos – 100m freestyle (49.74)
  • Chad le Clos – 100m butterfly (52.43)
  • Jarryd Baxter – 200m freestyle (1:50.79)
  • Jarryd Baxter – 200m backstroke (1:59.65)
  • Jarryd Baxter – 200m individual medley (2:00.99)
  • Emma Chelius – 50m freestyle (25.66)
  • Emma Chelius – 100m freestyle (56.53)
  • Olivia Nel – 50m freestyle (26.06)
  • Dune Coetzee – 200m freestyle (2:02.68)
  • Dune Coetzee – 200m butterfly (2:12.52)
  • Dune Coetzee – 400m freestyle (4:14.53)
  • Luan Grobbelaar – 400m individual medley (4:22.58)
  • Tatjana Schoenmaker – 200m breaststroke (2:26.46)
  • Tatjana Schoenmaker – 100m breaststroke (1:07.89
  • Kaylene Corbett – 200m breaststroke (2:29.18)
  • Kaylene Corbett – 100m breaststroke (1:09.57)
  • Emily Visagie – 200m breaststroke (2:29.46)
  • Eben Vorster – 200m butterfly (1:59.88)
  • Marlies Ross – 200m individual medley (2:17.33)
  • Leith Shankland – 100m freestyle (50.51)
  • Nathania van Niekerk – 200m backstroke (2:14.75)
  • Ryan Coetzee – 100m butterfly (52.92)
  • Ryan Coetzee – 50m freestyle (22.33)
  • Daniel Ronaldson – 100m butterfly (53.71)
  • Kate Beavon – 800m freestyle (8:49.16)
  • Kristin Bellingan – 800m freestyle (8:49.51)
  • Kristin Bellingan – 400m freestyle (4:17.74)
  • Martin Binedell – 200m backstroke (1:59.59)
  • Douglas Erasmus – 50m freestyle (22.90)
  • Brad Tandy – 50m freestyle (22.33)
  • Armand Maritz – 50m freestyle (23.25)
  • Neil Fair – 200m individual medley (2:04.28)

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The Commonwealth Games qualification times continue to pour in

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Durban, Wednesday, 20th December 2017  – After five days of competition, South African’s top athletes have no plans of slowing down as the Commonwealth Games qualification times continue to pour in at the KZN Aquatics Premier Championships in Durban.

Twenty-eight swimmers have already made the Commonwealth Games qualification list and with one more day of action to go, that number is sure to grow.

It was a fight to the finish in the 200m backstroke final, as Martin Binedell claimed his first Commonwealth Games qualification time in 1:59.59, just 0.06secs ahead of Jarryd Baxter, who was more than happy with the silver and his Commonwealth Games qualification time of 1:59.65. Luan Grobbelaar won the bronze in 2:04.35.

In the highly competitive 50m freestyle, fast times were on the cards as the top four in the final swam under the 23.26 Commonwealth Games requirement. Brad Tandy was victorious in 22.33 ahead of Douglas Erasmus in 22.90, Ryan Coetzee in 23.18 and Armand Maritz in 23.25.

In the long distance 1500m freestyle, Brent Szurdoki won his second Commonwealth Games qualification time in 15:30.83, to the 15:44.74 requirement, while the silver went to Luke Erwee in 15:52.69 and the bronze to Chad Michau in 15:52.82.

Dune Coetzee (15) was quick off the block in the 200m butterfly, as she scooped the gold in a Commonwealth Games qualification time of 2:12.52 ahead of Jenna Pearse took the silver in 2:22.05 and Tori Oliver the bronze in 2:22.76,

Erin Gallagher added the 50m backstroke title to her name in 29.16, followed by Olivia Nel in 30.36 and Kiara Noades in 30.97.

There was no stopping Luca Holtzhausen (13), who broke yet another KZN Record, this time in the 200m backstroke in 2:14.87, shedding just under a second from his own 2:15.43 record from earlier in the year, and concluded the evening with a gold in the 50m freestyle in 25.33.

The winners of the remaining 200m backstroke were Enrico Vorbeck (11) in 2:43.50 and Ian Brijlal (14) in 2:14.57, while the gold in the 50m freestyle went to Ricky Lottering (11) in 30.45 and Chad Mayer (15) in 24.60.

In the 50m backstroke age group finals, the top spots were claimed by Kayci Petzer (11) in 36.76, Tatum Silen in 32.64 and Kirsten de Goede in 30.50.

The Commonwealth Games Trials will conclude tomorrow with the heats starting at 09h00 while the finals will begin at 17h00.

The final Commonwealth Games team will be selected and announced by SASCOC in accordance with the SASCOC Selection Policy.

Qualifying Times following Day 05 – Commonwealth Games:

  • Calvyn Justus – 100m backstroke (55.57)
  • Calvyn Justus – 100m freestyle (50.35)
  • Ayrton Sweeney – 200m breaststroke (2:11.64)
  • Ayrton Sweeney – 400m individual medley (4:16.53)
  • Erin Gallagher – 100m butterfly (58.93)
  • Erin Gallagher – 50m freestyle (25.35)
  • Erin Gallagher – 100m freestyle (54.93)
  • Brent Szurdoki – 400m freestyle (3:53.24)
  • Brent Szurdoki – 1500m freestyle (15.30.83)
  • Cameron van der Burgh – 100m breaststroke (59.89)
  • Michael Houlie – 100m breaststroke (1:01.98)]
  • Mariella Venter – 100m backstroke (1:02.55)
  • Chad le Clos – 200m freestyle (1:48.28)
  • Chad le Clos – 200m butterfly (1:58.01)
  • Chad le Clos – 100m freestyle (49.74)
  • Chad le Clos – 100m butterfly (52.43)
  • Jarryd Baxter – 200m freestyle (1:50.79)
  • Jarryd Baxter – 200m backstroke (1:59.65)
  • Emma Chelius – 50m freestyle (25.66)
  • Emma Chelius – 100m freestyle (56.53)
  • Olivia Nel – 50m freestyle (26.06)
  • Dune Coetzee – 200m freestyle (2:02.68)
  • Dune Coetzee – 200m butterfly (2:12.52)
  • Luan Grobbelaar – 400m individual medley (4:22.58)
  • Tatjana Schoenmaker – 200m breaststroke (2:26.46)
  • Tatjana Schoenmaker – 100m breaststroke (1:07.89
  • Kaylene Corbett – 200m breaststroke (2:29.18)
  • Kaylene Corbett – 100m breaststroke (1:09.57)
  • Emily Visagie – 200m breaststroke (2:29.46)
  • Eben Vorster – 200m butterfly (1:59.88)
  • Marlies Ross – 200m individual medley (2:17.33)
  • Leith Shankland – 100m freestyle (50.51)
  • Nathania van Niekerk – 200m backstroke (2:14.75)
  • Ryan Coetzee – 100m butterfly (52.92)
  • Ryan Coetzee – 50m freestyle (22.33)
  • Daniel Ronaldson – 100m butterfly (53.71)
  • Kate Beavon – 800m freestyle (8:49.16)
  • Kristin Bellingan – 800m freestyle (8:49.51)
  • Martin Binedell – 200m backstroke (1:59.59)
  • Douglas Erasmus – 50m freestyle (22.90)
  • Brad Tandy – 50m freestyle (22.33)
  • Armand Maritz – 50m freestyle (23.25)

 

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The ladies led the charge during the fourth day of Commonwealth Games Trials

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Durban, Tuesday, 19th December 2017  – The ladies were in the spotlight during the fourth day of the KZN Aquatics Premier Championships as a total of ten Commonwealth Games qualification times were posted at the Kings Park Aquatics Centre tonight.

Leading from start to finish, 18 year old Nathania van Niekerk bagged her first Commonwealth Games qualification time in the 200m backstroke, touching the wall in a golden 2:14.75, to the 2:16.13 requirement, while the silver and bronze medals went to Samantha Randle in 2:16.50 and Kiara Noades in 2:20.75.

“I am very happy with my qualification time. To be able to qualify in the 200m backstroke, which has always been my main event, is really satisfying.

“My time in the Olympic Trials was much faster than this but I have only been training backstroke again for 8 months and to be able to get down under a qualifying time for the Commonwealth Games is really exciting and putting all my effort back into it, I am sure I will be able to get to that time again in the near future” said Van Niekerk.

The ladies continued to dominate the pool as Erin Gallagher posted her third Commonwealth Games qualification time and Emma Chelius her second in the 100m freestyle. Gallagher sped to the finish line in a new KZN Record time of 54.93, beating her own 2015 record of 55.61, while Chelius claimed the silver in 56.53. The required Commonwealth time was 56.82.

Tatjana Schoenmaker and Kaylene Corbett raced to their second Commonwealth Games qualification times in the 100m breaststroke in 1:07.89 and 1:09.57, respectively, while the bronze went to Hanim Abrahams in 1:10.73.

The skill and talent of Kate Beavon (17) and Kristin Bellingan (19) was on display in the 800m freestyle as they added their names to the list of Commonwealth Games qualification times. Beavon finishing the race in 8:49.16 and Bellingan a close second in 8:49.51, the bronze medal went to Abi Meder in 9:01.52.

Three Commonwealth Games qualification times were added to the list in the 100m butterfly final with Chad le Clos coming out tops in 52.43, followed by Ryan Coetzee in 52.92 and Daniel Ronaldson in 53.71, all dipping under the required 54.12.

Cameron van der Burgh was in record breaking form in the 50m breaststroke, clocking a new KZN Record time of 27.28, to Brad Tandy’s 28.00 from earlier in the year. Michael Houlie claimed the silver in 28.54 and Jared Pike the bronze in 28.74.

Luca Holtzhausen (13) continued to impress in the age group events, adding two more gold medals to his tally both in new KZN Record times. In the 50m breaststroke, Holtzhausen won in 31.48, to Gareth Kemp’s 2013 time of 31.58, while in the 100m butterfly, he clocked 58.86 to break his own record from earlier in the year.

Matthew Sates (14) also walked away with two gold medals in the 50m breaststroke (31.24) and the 100m butterfly (57.45), while Connor Rainders (11) won his respective breaststroke event in 40.18 and Ricky Lottering (11) the butterfly in 1:11.57.

In the 200m backstroke age group race, the gold medals went to Kirsten Cottrell (11) in 2:52.50, Morgan Ridderhof (13) in 2:30.39 and Olivia Tully (15) in 2:24.60, while the winners in the 100m breaststroke went to Emily Martens (10) in 1:26.85, Emma Kuhn (12) in 1:15.58 and Paige Brombacher (14) in a new KZN Record time of 1:11.52.

Milla Drakopoulos (11),  Ambrin Pienaar (13) and Kirsten de Goede (14) concluded the age group events for the evening, winning the gold medals in 1:08.19, 1:02.58 and 58.49, respectively.

The KZN Aquatics Premier Championships and Commonwealth Games Trials will continue tomorrow with the heats starting at 09h00 while the finals will begin at 17h00 daily.

The final Commonwealth Games team will be selected and announced by SASCOC in accordance with the SASCOC Selection Policy.

Qualifying Times following Day 04 – Commonwealth Games:

  • Calvyn Justus – 100m backstroke (55.57)
  • Calvyn Justus – 100m freestyle (50.35)
  • Ayrton Sweeney – 200m breaststroke (2:11.64)
  • Erin Gallagher – 100m butterfly (58.93)
  • Erin Gallagher – 50m freestyle (25.35)
  • Erin Gallagher – 100m freestyle (54.93)
  • Brent Szurdoki – 400m freestyle (3:53.24)
  • Cameron van der Burgh – 100m breaststroke (59.89)
  • Michael Houlie – 100m breaststroke (1:01.98)
  • Mariella Venter – 100m backstroke (1:02.55)
  • Chad le Clos – 200m freestyle (1:48.28)
  • Chad le Clos – 200m butterfly (1:58.01)
  • Chad le Clos – 100m freestyle (49.74)
  • Chad le Clos – 100m butterfly (52.43)
  • Jarryd Baxter – 200m freestyle (1:50.79)
  • Emma Chelius – 50m freestyle (25.66)
  • Emma Chelius – 100m freestyle (56.53)
  • Olivia Nel – 50m freestyle (26.06)
  • Dune Coetzee – 200m freestyle (2:02.68)
  • Ayrton Sweeney – 400m individual medley (4:16.53)
  • Luan Grobbelaar – 400m individual medley (4:22.58)
  • Tatjana Schoenmaker – 200m breaststroke (2:26.46)
  • Tatjana Schoenmaker – 100m breaststroke (1:07.89
  • Kaylene Corbett – 200m breaststroke (2:29.18)
  • Kaylene Corbett – 100m breaststroke (1:09.57)
  • Emily Visagie – 200m breaststroke (2:29.46)
  • Eben Vorster – 200m butterfly (1:59.88)
  • Marlies Ross – 200m individual medley (2:17.33)
  • Leith Shankland – 100m freestyle (50.51)
  • Nathania van Niekerk – 200m backstroke (2:14.75)
  • Ryan Coetzee – 100m butterfly (52.92)
  • Daniel Ronaldson – 100m butterfly (53.71)
  • Kate Beavon – 800m freestyle (8:49.16)
  • Kristin Bellingan – 800m freestyle (8:49.51)

Home Sports Swimming

The Commonwealth Games Qualification list continued

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Durban, Monday, 18th December 2017  – Mzansi’s swim stars continued to shine bright on the third day of the KZN Aquatics Premier Championships with another nine Commonwealth Games Qualifying times posted at the Kings Park Aquatics Centre tonight.

The ladies power trio of Tatjana Schoenmaker, Kaylene Corbett and Emily Visagie showcased SA’s vast talent by adding their names to the Commonwealth Games qualification list in the 200m breaststroke final, clocking 2:26.46, 2:29.18 and 2:29.46, respectively.

Marlies Ross cruised past Hanim Abrahams and Visagie to end the 200m individual medley with a Commonwealth Games Qualification time of 2:17.33, while Abrahams finished with the silver in 2:19.41 and Visagie with the bronze in 2:19.43.

Olympian Chad le Clos raced to his second and third Commonwealth Games qualification times in the 200m butterfly and 100m freestyle, scooping the gold in a fast 1:58.01 and 49.74, with Eben Vorster close behind in a Commonwealth Games qualification time of 1:59.88 in the 200m butterfly, while Calvyn Justus and Leith Shankland dipped under the required 50.64 to qualify in the 100m freestyle in 50.35 and 50.51, respectively.

In the 50m backstroke, Jacques van Wyk came out victorious in 26.24 ahead of Henju Duvenhage in 26.91 and Jack Oliver in 26.96, while the glory in the 50m butterfly went to Erin Gallagher in a new KZN record of 26.68 to Emma Chelius’ 27.77 and Inge Weidemann’s 28.45.

13 year old Luca Holtzhausen continued to dominate the age group events, adding the 50m backstroke and 100m freestyle to his tally, both in new KZN Record times of 28.82 and 54.16, breaking his own records from earlier in the year.

Joshua Paton (11) and Jacob Armon (14) finished first in the other 50m backstroke races in 35.32 and 29.38, while the gold medals in the 100m freestyles went to Ricky Lottering (11) in 1:07.08 and Chad Mayer (15) in 54.11.

In the ladies 200m breaststroke age group events, 15 year old Tailyn Seyffert won her category in a new KZN Record time of 2:34.99, breaking the 30 year record time of 2:36.88 which was held by L. Peacock, the remaining gold medalists were Rebecca Leach (11) in 3:04.96 and Morgan Ridderhof (13) in 2:52.17.

Seyffert also bagged the 200m individual medley gold in 2:21.95, while Leach (11) and Emma Kuhn (12)  took home the gold in the other age group category events in 2:53.73 and 2:30.96, respectively.

Kirsten de Goede (14) topped the medal podium in the 50m butterfly in a new KZN Record time of 27.95, beating Erin Gallagher’s 2014 time of 28.11, while Chloe Graaff (11) and Catherine Eland (12) won their respective category races in 33.99 and 30.41.

The KZN Aquatics Premier Championships and Commonwealth Games Trials will continue tomorrow with the heats starting at 09h00 while the finals will begin at 17h00 daily.

Qualifying Times following Day 03 – Commonwealth Games:

  • Calvyn Justus – 100m backstroke (55.57)
  • Calvyn Justus – 100m freestyle (50.35)
  • Ayrton Sweeney – 200m breaststroke (2:11.64)
  • Erin Gallagher – 100m butterfly (58.93)
  • Erin Gallagher – 50m freestyle (25.35)
  • Brent Szurdoki – 400m freestyle (3:53.24)
  • Cameron van der Burgh – 100m breaststroke (59.89)
  • Michael Houlie – 100m breaststroke (1:01.98)]
  • Mariella Venter – 100m backstroke (1:02.55)
  • Chad le Clos – 200m freestyle (1:48.28)
  • Chad le Clos – 200m butterfly (1:58.01)
  • Chad le Clos – 100m freestyle (49.74)
  • Jarryd Baxter – 200m freestyle (1:50.79)
  • Emma Chelius – 50m freestyle (25.66)
  • Olivia Nel – 50m freestyle (26.06)
  • Dune Coetzee – 200m freestyle (2:02.68)
  • Ayrton Sweeney – 400m individual medley (4:16.53)
  • Luan Grobbelaar – 400m individual medley (4:22.58)
  • Tatjana Schoenmaker – 200m breaststroke (2:26.46)
  • Kaylene Corbett – 200m breaststroke (2:29.18)
  • Emily Visagie – 200m breaststroke (2:29.46)
  • Eben Vorster – 200m butterfly (1:59.88)
  • Marlies Ross – 200m individual medley (2:17.33)
  • Leith Shankland – 100m freestyle (50.51)
Home Sports Swimming

Eleven more Commonwealth Games Qualification Times posted on the second day

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Durban, Sunday, 17th December 2017  – With Chad le Clos and Cameron van der Burgh back in the water, the Commonwealth Games Qualifying times continued to tumble on the second day of the KZN Aquatics Premier Championships at the Kings Park Aquatics Centre in Durban tonight.

Van der Burgh turned up the tempo as he posted a Commonwealth Games qualifying time in the final of the 100m breaststroke in a golden 59.89 ahead of Michael Houlie, who, besides winning the silver, also dipped under the required 1:02.46, and added his name to the qualification list in 1:01.98. The bronze went to Brenden Crawford in 1:03.82.

Le Clos and Jarryd Baxter celebrated their Commonwealth Games qualification times in the 200m freestyle, finishing first and second in 1:48.28 and 1:50.79, respectively, while the bronze medal was claimed by Calvyn Justus in 1:51.55.

Le Clos was once again victorious in the 50m butterfly in 24.06, followed by Ryan Coetzee in 24.19 and Ralph Goveia in 24.54.

The phenomenal performances continued with Mariella Venter, who raced to the gold and a Commonwealth Games qualification time of 1:02.55 in the 100m backstroke, followed by Nathania van Niekerk in 1:02.79 and Naomi Ruele in 1:04.21.

Erin Gallagher had another fantastic day of swimming, bagging her second Commonwealth Games qualification, this time in the 50m freestyle, breaking her own 2015 KZN Record with a new time of 25.35. The silver and bronze went to Emma Chelius and Olivia Nel, both touching the wall in Commonwealth Games qualification times of 25.66 and 26.06, respectively.

In the 200m freestyle, 15 year old Dune Coetzee became the ninth swimmer of the night to add her name to the list of Commonwealth Games qualifiers when she finished in 2:02.68 ahead of Marlies Ross in 2:03.04 and Kristin Bellingan in 2:03.68.

Ayrton Sweeney and Luan Grobbelaar were over the moon as they confirmed their Commonwealth Games qualification times in the 400m individual medley, finishing in 4:16.53 and 4:22.58, to the required 4:26.93, while Neil Fair walked away with the bronze in 4:29.89.

In the age group events, there was no stopping Luca Holtzhausen (13) as he sped to three gold medals and three new KZN Records.

In the 100m breaststroke, Holtzhausen beat out the competition with a new KZN Record time of 1:08.88, breaking the 2013 time of 1:09.11, which was held by Gareth Kemp. The youngster followed that with a win in the 200m freestyle, clocking a new KZN Record of 1:59.63, to Kevin Bargate’s 2012 time of 2:00.42; and finished the evening off with a gold medal in the 50m butterfly with a new KZN Record of 27.09, beating his own time of 27.24 from earlier in the year.

The remaining 100m breaststroke winners were Connor Reinders (11) in 1:25.52 and Matthew Sates (14) in 1:08.10, while the 200m freestyle gold medals went to Ricky Lottering (11) in 2:25.14 and Gavin Smith (15) in 1:58.77. Lottering and Smith also grabbed the gold in the 50m butterfly in 32.18 and 26.25, respectively.

Jessica Carmody (10), Emma Christianson (12) and Tailyn Seyffert (15) won their respective 100m backstroke age group races in 1:19.64, 1:09.99 and 1:06.43, while the 50m freestyle gold medals were claimed by Kirsten Cottrell (11) in 30.72, Melanie Cooke (13) in 28.67 and Kirsten de Goede (14) in 27.14.

De Goede scooped her second gold of the night in the 200m freestyle in 2:08.06, with the other age group gold medals going to Milla Drakopoulos (11) in 2:31.62 and Lise Coetzee (12) in 2:14.60.

The KZN Aquatics Premier Championships and Commonwealth Games Trials will continue tomorrow with the heats starting at 09h00 while the finals will begin at 17h00 daily.

Qualifying Times following Day 02 – Commonwealth Games:

  • Calvyn Justus – 100m backstroke (55.57)
  • Ayrton Sweeney – 200m breaststroke (2:11.64)
  • Ayrton Sweeney – 400m individual medley (4:16.53)
  • Erin Gallagher – 100m butterfly (58.93)
  • Erin Gallagher – 50m freestyle (25.35)
  • Brent Szurdoki – 400m freestyle (3:53.24)
  • Cameron van der Burgh – 100m breaststroke (59.89)
  • Michael Houlie – 100m breaststroke (1:01.98)]
  • Mariella Venter – 100m backstroke (1:02.55)
  • Chad le Clos – 200m freestyle (1:48.28)
  • Jarryd Baxter – 200m freestyle (1:50.79)
  • Emma Chelius – 50m freestyle (25.66)
  • Olivia Nel – 50m freestyle (26.06)
  • Dune Coetzee – 200m freestyle (2:02.68)
  • Luan Grobbelaar – 400m individual medley (4:22.58)

 

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Four Commonwealth Games Qualification Times on the first day of the KZNA Premier Championships

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Durban, Saturday, 16th December 2017  – South Africa’s top swimming talent celebrated the Day of Reconciliation in true Mzansi style with a total of four Commonwealth Games Qualification times during the opening day of the KZN Aquatics Premier Championships at the Kings Park Aquatics Centre tonight.

First in the water and first to achieve a Commonwealth Games qualification time was 22 year old Calvyn Justus with a golden 55.57, to the required 55.95, while the silver was claimed by Jacques van Wyk in 56.44 and the bronze by Martin Binedell in 57.01.

The excitement continued as Ayrton Sweeney also added his name to the Commonwealth Games qualification list in the 200m breaststroke, just under five seconds ahead of the competition in 2:11.64 to Luan Grobbelaar’s 2:16.83 and Bailey Musgrave’s 2:17.10.

A quick start earned Erin Gallagher the gold medal and her first Commonwealth Games qualification time in the 100m butterfly, touching the wall in 58.93, to the 1:00.53 requirement, followed by Dune Coetzee (1:01.15) in second and Chloe Horne (1:03.94) in third.

Brent Szurdoki was on top of the world in the final of the 400m freestyle, posting a Commonwealth Games qualification time of 3:53.24 and overtaking Jacques jv Rensburg and Eben Vorster in the process, who finished second and third in 3:57.47 and 3:58.75, respectively.

In other results, Tatjana Schoenmaker was happy with her 50m breaststroke win in 31.44, while Kaylene Corbett was second in 32.36 and Hanim Abrahams third in 32.56, while the 400m individual medley first place went to Jessica Whelan in 4:55.25, followed by Marlies Ross in 4:55.32 and Samantha Randle in 4:56.81.

In the age group races, the 11 and under 50m breaststroke gold went to Emily Martens (10) in 39.05, ahead of Monica Botha (10) in 41.13 and Chloe Graff (11) in 41.91, while the 12-13 category was won by Emma Kuhn (12) in 35.06, Georgia Butcher (13) came second in 35.99 and Kelly-Ann Brown (12) third in 37.52. In the 14-15 age group 50m breaststroke race, Paige Brombacher (14) walked away with the gold in 33.83 ahead of Tailyn Seyffert (15) in 34.42 and Shana Hurndall (15) in 36.30.

In the 11 and under 100m backstroke, the top spot was claimed by Enrico Vorbeck (11) in 1:16.65, with the silver going to Luca Sandri (10) in 1:17.17 and the bronze to Joshua Paton (11) in 1:18.81. The top three places in the 14-15 100m backstroke went to Jacob Armon (14) in 1:01.65, Michael Duckham (15) in 1:02.23 and Denilson Cyprianos (15) in 1:02.49.

Luca Holtzhausen had a flying start to the competition, winning gold in the 100m backstroke and 200m breaststroke 12-13 age group category in 1:02.31 and 2:30.16, respectively.

Connor Reinders (11) was victorious in the 11 and under 200m breaststroke in 3:05.63, followed by Lukas Smithers (11) in 3:07.31 and Vorbeck (11) in 3:16.99, while Matthew Sates’ time of 2:27.33 won him the 14-15 gold, with the silver going to Tyron Klynhans in 2:33.01 and the bronze to Armon in 2:34.44.

The 11 and under 100m butterfly medal podium was made up of Kate Andersson (1:19.38), Chloe Graaff (1:20.06) and Amy Rabe (1:21.22), while the 12-13 race winners were Emma Christianson in 1:06.65, Luchelle Oosthuizen in 1:08.92 and Ambrin Pienaar in 1:10.00, with the gold, silver and bronze went to Kirsten de Goede, Tailyn Seyffert and Tori Oliver in 1:03.58, 1:05.93 and 1:06.60, respectively.

The KZN Aquatics Premier Championships and Commonwealth Games Trials will continue tomorrow with the heats starting at 09h00 while the finals will begin at 17h00 daily.

Qualifying Times following Day 01 – Commonwealth Games:

  • Calvyn Justus – 100m backstroke (55.57)
  • Ayrton Sweeney – 200m breaststroke (2:11.64)
  • Erin Gallagher – 100m butterfly (58.93)
  • Brent Szurdoki – 400m freestyle (3:53.24)

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