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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)

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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)

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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)

Home Interviews Sports Swimming

Meet the Young Athletes – Megan Tomes

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A little girl with a big heart is champion Breast Stroker – Megan Tomes. This 2017 has taken its toll on her swimmer’s body with 5 injuries, but she has embraced this for this season only and is more determined for her swim journey onward and upward. She is a gentle spirit and says this about herself  “I am a very loyal person who hates to see my friends hurt. I am caring and  help where I can. I know I am not perfect and I have made mistakes in my life, but I try my best to own them. I am also responsible”. She dreams to establish herself as an advocate encouraging our youth to dream big and remain grounded when achieving success.

Athlete: Bio / Stats
Name & Surname Megan Tomes
Nick Name Megs and Megsie
Date of birth 10 November 2003
Place of birth Centurion, Pretoria
Current City Centurion
Height 174 cm
Weight 70 Kg
Shoe Size Size 8
Club TUKS Swimming Club
Coach’s Name Keenan Riffel
Secondary Sport/ sports Hockey (at school)
Favorite City Calgary, Canada
Favorite Song/ type of music Song: Show Me Your Love – Monark

Type of music: pop
Favorite Movie Despicable Me 3 and Hunger Games Triology
School & Grade School: Southdowns College

Grade: 8
Sponsors None
Twitter and Instagram, Facebook name I don’t have Twitter, Instagram or Facebook, only WhatsApp
Parents Names, siblings Mom: Tania Tomes

Dad: Adolph Tomes

I don’t have any siblings but I have three kids who are like siblings to me:

Mia, Jean and Pierre Terblanche

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?

  • Well at one years old my parents took me for swimming lessons (the usual learn to float, turn on your back, learn to swim with clothes on etc.) and I realized I had a passion for swimming. After that I joined learn to swim classes with Coach Rocco Meiring. In Grade 3 I started swimming for the school and in the middle of Grade 3 I started swimming competitively for TUKS. I have now been swimming competitively with TUKS for 5 years now and have enjoyed every moment of it.

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

  • I am a very loyal person who hates to see my friends hurt. I am caring (I always help my friends who are upset and even if they have a stupid problem I still try to help where I can.) I know I am not perfect and I have made mistakes in my life, but I try my best to own them. I am also responsible.
  • Characteristics I would like to see in myself in the future is being a responsible, mature person, who cares for other people and can help other people.

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

  • At the Regional Level 3 gala this year, I received a gold medal for 200m Breaststroke, a silver medal for 100m Breast and a bronze medal for the 50m Breast. At our Interhouse Swimming Gala I received Junior Victrix Loudorum and Best Junior swimmer at school. Last year at the Regional Level 3 (The old level 2) gala I received a Gold medal for 200m Breaststroke.

Q: Why do you have so much love and respect for your coach?

  • I have a lot of respect for my coach because he has walked with me every step of the way and never gave up on me. He takes time to work with every single swimmer. This year I have been struggling with 5 injuries and he never gave up on me and always helped me to stay positive. He has a personal relationship with every single swimmer etc.

Q: What is your favorite food? And who must cook it J?

  • My favourite food is The Chicken Stir – Fry from Cappacinos and Lamb Curry that is cooked by my Father.

Q: So you swim well and are doing well in academics but name 1 thing that you suck at 🙂 

  • The one thing I suck at is Athletics and Cross-Country (I suck at running)

Q: What is your personal favourite motivational quote?

  • My favourite motivational quote is: “Feel our hearts pounding, muscles burning, lungs screaming. Feel our love and hate for our opponent. Feel the insane drive to keep pushing. To get to the wall. To win. I am a swimmer. I am a champion.”

Q: What is your favourite Bible / Scripture quote?

  • My favourite scripture is: “Hope does not disappoint us because God has poured out his love by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us – Romans 5:5”.

Q: What is your definition of success in life?

  • For me success is about giving your all no matter what the cost. Success is about achieving your goals that you have set for yourself. Success isn’t always about winning but about giving your all and pleasing yourself. Yes winning is awesome and feels amazing afterward but it can give you a label that you may not want. If you have tried your utmost best than you have already won. That is what my dad always says and I absolutely believe that is true.

Q: What’s your WHY ?  

  • I do what I do because swimming is a part of my life and I would never be able to live without it. Swimming is the only sport where I can bring my abilities to the surface. I have made some of my closest friends at swimming and they make my life so much happier and light – hearted. I would like to be a person who shows people that through sport you can still help a person (if I can become more professional in my swimming career.) I want to become involved in charities to show the youth that we must not only dream – we must pursue our dreams and remain grounded when achieving success.

Q: Anything else you would like to share?

  • Just a piece of advice for my fellow swimmers or any person who might be struggling with hope and motivation – sometimes it might look like things are just going worse and worse but there is always a bit of hope and positivity in the world. Lean on people you trust and they will help you get through your difficulties in life. Trust me I have gone through 5 injuries this swimming season and I am still standing strong!!!

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!

 

Home Sports Swimming

The Commonwealth Games Swimming Trials heads to Durban

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Johannesburg, Tuesday, 12th December 2017  – Olympians Chad le Clos and Cameron van der Burgh will be among Mzansi’s aquatic stars who will be taking to the water at the KwaZulu-Natal Aquatics Premier Championships, doubling as the official Commonwealth Games Trials, taking place at the Kings Park Aquatics Centre in Durban, from 16 – 22 December 2017.

Four hundred and sixty (460) swimmers will compete to secure a place in the final team that will be selected to represent SA in the 2018 Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast, Australia from 4th to 15th April 2018.

Straight from his fourth FINA World Cup title win, Chad le Clos will be looking to secure his place at next year’s competition when he participated in the 50, 100 and 200m butterfly as well as the100 and 200m freestyle.

Also determined to book his place in the Commonwealth Team will be Olympic gold-medalist Cameron van der Burgh, who will race the 50 and 100m breaststroke events.

Other contenders include the likes of Douglas Erasmus in the 50 and 100m freestyle, long-distance swimmer Matthew Meyer in the 400m freestyle and the 1500m freestyle as well as the up and coming talents of Luca Holtzhausen (13), Luan Grobbelaar (15), Mariella Venter (17), Hanim Abrahams (15), Erin Gallagher (18) and Dune Coetzee (15).

On the ladies’ side, 20 year old Tatjana Schoenmaker, who recently became the first South African to win a medal (silver) at the 2017 World Student Games in Taipei, with a personal best of 2:24.61, will be looking to better that time over the weeklong event, swimming the 50, 100 and 200m breaststroke, the 200m freestyle and the 200m individual medley.

Swimming South Africa’s CEO, Shaun Adriaanse, said “Our swimmers have a history of rising to the challenge to qualify for the Commonwealth Games and to compete for the highest honours at the Games.

“We wish all athletes the best of luck in striving for their best to Qualify for the Games.” concluded Adriaanse.

The KZN Aquatics Premier Championships and Commonwealth Games Trials begin on Saturday, 16th December and conclude on Friday, 22ndDecember 2017 with the heats starting at 09h00 while the finals will begin at 17h00 daily.

Qualifying times for the 2018 Commonwealth Games:

Male Female
23.26 50m Freestyle 26.06
50.64 100m Freestyle 56.82
1:51.50 200m Freestyle 2:02.83
3:56.14 400m Freestyle 4:19.34
800 Freestyle 8:56.71
15:44.74 1500m Freestyle
55.95 100m Backstroke 1:02.73
2:02.70 200m Backstroke 2:16.13
1:02.46 100m Breaststroke 1:09.95
2:15.70 200m Breaststroke 2:31.02
54.12 100m Butterfly 1:00.53
2:01.38 200m Butterfly 2:14.31
2:04.43 200m Ind Medley 2:18.08
4:26.93 400m Ind Medley 4:52.97

Home Interviews Sports Swimming

Meet the Young Athletes – Elijah Dredge

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A very young athlete with a big heart and a bigger vision for the future is Elijah Dredge. Proving that it is never to early to follow your passion and work hard to achieve your dreams. With Elijah it can indeed be said – you can’t measure heart! He is brilliant at Life Saving and Swimming where he has enjoyed many victories. Well done Elijah, and we look forward to seeing you on the word’s top arenas as you go from strength to strength.

Athlete: Bio / Stats
Name & Surname Elijah Dredge
Nick Name Lij
Date of birth 18 August 2005
Place of birth Pretoria
Current City Pretoria
Height 1.65m
Weight 52kg
Shoe Size 9
Club Pretoria Aquatic Club
Coach’s Name Leon Anderson
Secondary Sport/ sports Lifesaving, hockey, soccer
Favorite City Edinburgh
Favorite Song/ type of music Sounds of silence- Disturbed
Favorite Movie Fantastic Four
School & Grade Woodhill College Grade 6
(Twitter and Instagram names, Facebook name) Elijahdredge1

Q: At what age did you start Swimming and why?

Ever since I could walk, I have always loved being in the water.

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

I would like to take my swimming career as far as I can and see where it takes me.

Q: Would you like to share some highlights about your Sports career so far?

Being selected for the Gauteng schools team and numerous NTS teams has been a great experience. I started doing lifesaving competitively at 10 and was able to set all the South African records in my age group for all my events at Nationals. Was awarded Junior Victor and Best overall nipper for Gauteng North for 2 consecutive years.

Q: Tell me a little bit about your home and school life?

I have a big family, ( Mom, Dad, 4 sisters and I) and all of my sisters have previously or are currently busy swimming or doing lifesaving competitively so our life is pretty busy with training and gala’s. We try take regular breaks to the beach as this is definitely our happy place and it’s a little less busy there than the busy life we lead at home.

Q: What is your big dream in life  🙂

To swim at the Olympics

Q: I know you are brilliant athlete – but name the one thing that you suck at J?

Golf

Q: Why is it important to try and excel at academics at school?

You always need a good education, you need a back-up plan in case you get injured.

Q: What is your favorite food? And who must cook it J?

Pasta – Mom or myself (I love being in the kitchen)

Q: Who is your sport hero?  What have you learned from him / her?

Usain Bolt, he never gave up and he has gone on to achieve great things.

Q: What is your personal favourite motivational quote?

I would rather choke on greatness than chew on mediocrity

Q: What is your favourite Bible Verse?

Jeremiah 29:11

Q: At this point and time – what are you most grateful for in your life?

My swimming talent and being healthy and able to train

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

Home Interviews Sports Swimming

Meet the Young Athletes – Deborah Dredge

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Young but making a difference in many spheres in life is Deborah Dredge. This talented young lady has many accolades against her name, not only in swimming but in Life Saving and in Open water. She is an extremely hard worker and speaks with deep respect of her coaches who guides and mentors her on her journey. She is grounded in her faith in Christ and knows the wonderful plans that He has for her life. She says about herself –

“I like to be independent but will do anything when it comes to helping my team, friends and family.

I believe in loyalty, determination and hard work. In the future I’d like to be an inspiration and role model to others. I also want to stay humble no matter what”.

Athlete: Bio / Stats
Name & Surname Deborah Dredge
Nick Name Debs
Date of birth 18 May 2002
Place of birth Pretoria
Current City Pretoria
Height 1.68m
Weight 66kg
Shoe Size 7
Club Pretoria Aquatic Club/ Tuks Lifesaving
Coach’s Name Leon Anderson, Marcus Gloak, Eugene da Ponte, Louis lotter / Valencia Walker
Out of Country events Commonwealth Festival of Lifesaving
Secondary Sports Hockey
Favorite City Edinburgh
Favorite Type of music I don’t have a favourite but I like anything on Top 40
Favorite Movie The Guardian
School & Grade Woodhill College Grade 9
Twitter and Instagram names, facebook name deborah_dredge
Community / church projects involved in Waterkloof Baptist
Parents Names, siblings Caleb(Dad), Paula(Mom), Hannah, Phoebe, Elijah, Ruth

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’ve been swimming my whole life but started swimming competitively in grade two. Ever since my first gala I have loved absolutely anything to do with water.

Since then I have qualified for Junior Nationals and selected for the SA Presidents team for the Commonwealth festival of lifesaving.

Q: Who are you? 

I like to be independent but will do anything when it comes to helping my team, friends and family.

I believe in loyalty, determination and hard work. In the future I’d like to be an inspiration and role model to others. I also want to stay humble no matter what.

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

Representing NTS in open water at SA Nationals for 3 consecutive years

Representing Gauteng North and Gauteng Lifesaving at SA Nationals, being awarded Senior Victrix Ludorum for 2016 and 2017.

Qualifying for Junior Nationals.

Swimming as part of the President’s team at the Commonwealth festival of Lifesaving.

Q: Why do you have so much love and respect for your coaches?

I have five coaches: Leon Anderson, Marcus Gloak, Eugene da Ponte, Louis Lotter for swimming and then Valencia Walker for lifesaving.

They are all absolutely amazing in their own way and have contributed to the person I am today.

I have been with Leon the longest and he is one of the biggest reasons why I have accomplished everything I have in and out of the pool but I wouldn’t have achieved anything if they hadn’t all believed in me and taught me all I needed to know in swimming and lifesaving.

Q: What is your favorite food? And who must cook it 🙂

Definitely pasta.

Cooked by my mom.

Q: So you swim well and are doing well in academics but name 1 thing that you suck at 🙂

I cannot sing or dance to save my life.

Q: What is your personal favorite motivational quote?

“Make it happen. Shock everyone.”

-Anonymous

Q: What is your favourite Bible / Scripture quote?

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

Q: What is your definition of success in life?

Success is hard work.

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

I swim for the race, for the insane amounts of adrenalin, the feeling of accomplishment after you just finished one of the hardest sets of your life, for my team and all the memories and for the 5:30 morning practices that we all secretly love.

I swim because what you put in is what you get out and no matter what’s happening in your life I will always have swimming. I would like to be an inspiration to others and to help bring even more people to love this amazing sport.

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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