Category Archives: Swimming

Fresh & Hungry: Dylan Barkhuizen

April 27, 2016 Published by: Cresi Heslop

This Dylan Barkhuizen is a young man of good stature and one to keep a keen eye on for the future. I have learned some deep lessons from him, his will to succeed really inspires, and when he talks about digging way, way deep to a achieve a result, not a medal, I can just imagine him at Future Olympic games proudly in his green and gold!

Dylan is deeply grateful towards his Coach Rocco Meiring, his parents and his teachers. He says “I’m hard working and very determined to reach my goals I have set for myself. I like to think that I’m a gentleman and treat others with respect. I believe it’s very important to remain humble and kind. It’s important to have good manners at all times. Be nice to the people you meet on the way up because you will meet them on the way down”.

Below is Dylan with SA Olympian – Brad Tandy

Athlete: Bio / Stats
Name & Surname	Dylan Barkhuizen
Nick Name	Dude / Bear
Date of birth	1995/01/15
Place of birth	South Africa, Johannesburg
Current City	Pretoria
Height	1.76 cm
Weight	64kg
Shoe Size	9
Club	TUKS
Coach’s Name	Rocco
Secondary Sport/ sports	Was rugby until Gr10
Favorite City	New York
Favorite Song/Type of music	Electronic Dance Music
Favorite Movie	American Sniper
School & Grade	Cornwall Hill College
Instagram Facebook	Instagram: dylanswim1 Facebook: Dylan Barkhuizen
Parents Names, siblings	Dean, Brenda and Katelyn my sister

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 loved being in the water since I can remember and never went to swimming lessons to learn how to swim, my mom says I was a natural. I only started going to swimming lessons when I was in Gr1 and made the CHC swimming team. I still played cricket and rugby as my winter school sports and competed in international hip hop dancing competitions until I was 12 years old. I only decided to stop cricket and dancing when I couldn’t fit everything in but I still loved playing rugby. I had to make one of the most difficult decisions ever and in Gr10 I had to choose between rugby and swimming, after much deliberation I chose swimming when I got concussion just before a major gala which I couldn’t compete in. Since Gr10 I have upped my game in swimming concentrating on improving my times, I met Brad Tandy who is a freestyle swimmer swimming in the USA for The University of Arizona, after chatting to him I decided to focus on getting into the USA for swimming. This was a game changer for me and I’ve had to change a lot in order to reach my goal. I changed swimming coaches and have gone from 5 sessions a week at 1 ½ hours a day to 9 sessions a week at 2 hours in the afternoons and 1 ½ 3 mornings a week. I also moved from Math Lit up to Math as the USA requires Math as a subject for university. It’s been very tough adapting to a tougher training regime and improving my academic marks at the same time.

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

I would have to say swimming Youth Nationals last year was my highest accolade but my greatest personal accomplishment was making L3 when I was 15. My birthday falls in January which means I have to swim age up in qualifying times, so while my age group friends were qualifying for L3 year after year I would always miss it by splits. At NTS Champs in 2014 I swam the 100 Fly where I was seeded first. In the heats in the afternoon I swam next to Gerhard Zandberg in the outer lane, at the last 5m mark I chocked on the water from his wake putting on 2 seconds and scraping into the final for that night. I had to make a L3 time in the finals or I would stop swimming. That night I was placed in lane 1 which is not ideal, I remember the pressure and support from the other swimmers, knowing that a gold was not my objective but rather a time. I took a deep breath and got onto the blocks knowing what was at stake. That night I swam my L3 time as well as a Youth time and won gold. It was my Olympic moment.

Q: What was your last major champs/ meet/ tournament/ and how did you experience it?

I have just returned from L3 in PE and am now training for Youth. I did very well taking time off all my events except for the 50 free. I swam 17 – 18 so the competition is very tough as some of the guys are turning 19 in the next few days and I have just moved coaches. I’m really looking forward to 2017.

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

Education is vital, we were lucky enough to meet and chat to the National coach for Spain and as he pointed out, maybe one or two of us will be lucky enough to make money off swimming so his advice was to keep education as a priority.

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

Faith is very important, when you feel like giving up you have to remember that God gave you a talent and you should use it to your best ability.

Q: What do you do to relax?

I play Sony Playstation online with my friends; I also love playing with my dog Sven.

Q: What is your personal favourite motivational quote?

Lions don’t lose sleep over the opinions of sheep.

Q: What is your favourite Bible Scripture?

For with God nothing will be impossible. Luke 1:37

Q: What is your biggest challenge, and what do you do to manage this challenge?

My biggest challenge is always swimming age up; it’s hard to stay motivated because you never see the rewards in terms of medals or making finals at Levels so you constantly have to remind yourself that there is a bigger goal I have to achieve which is to improve my times. If I was swimming in my age group I would be medalling.

Q: Your definition of success?

As long as you have reached your goals you have set out to achieve no matter how big or small, not giving up is a successful person not matter the circumstances.

Q: What’s your WHY?

I am doing what I’m doing to get into a Division One or Two university in the USA. It’s my dream and my passion. It doesn’t mean I’m not loyal to South Africa, it just means I would really like to use swimming to enhance my academic and business career after school, if I return to SA I will use my skills to develop or motivate others to do the same if I feel it was the right decision I made. If my swimming improves and I can qualify for the Olympics then I’ll definately do that. Unfortunately the reality of making the cut in SA for the Olympics is very slim, I realized that last year at Nationals, and decided then instead of giving up on a passion – I would put that passion to use in a different direction.

Q: What is your message of encouragement to South African and African youth and our nation?

Swimming is an excellent sport for your body and soul, if you don’t take swimming further it’s a brilliant sport to keep fit and you can always participate in it no matter your age. It also teaches you discipline, commitment and dedication.

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

I’m grateful for having parents who support my dream and when the going gets tough or hard they keep me focused and motivated. My coach and teachers have also been so supportive and my friends always understand when I can’t always do the things they do because I have early morning training.

Q: Anything else you would like to share?

Never give up!!!

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!

NB – All images were supplied by the athlete to Heslop Sports. If there are any images that are not credited correctly, please email info@heslopsports.co.za with the details and we will gladly do so immediately.

Home Olympics 2016 Rio Sports Swimming

Part-blind pupil makes Rio Olympics swimming team

April 25, 2016 Published by: Cresi Heslop

MAMMA I MADE IT: Matthew Meyer swam a qualifying time to represent SA in the 1500m at the Rio Games during the SA National Aquatic Champs at the weekend
Image by: Supplied

Matric pupil Matthew Meyer knew his Olympic qualification bid in the 1500m freestyle at the weekend was going well when he started feeling sick and sore.

“It’s just a general rule that the 1500 is going well if after 1200m you feel sick to your stomach. I was absolutely dying but I went for it,” said the Clifton College pupil, who won the last spot in the SA swimming team to the Rio Games in August.

Ten men booked their spots at the SA championships in Durban this past week, with Calvyn Justus and Dylan Bosch coming in for relays – if the men’s 4x200m freestyle and 4x100m medley team s qualify .

There are no women, no Roland Schoeman and no male 100m freestyler.

Only three past Olympians made the team – Chad le Clos, Cameron van der Burgh and Sebastien Rousseau – and 18- year-old Meyer, no relation of 400m individual medley teammate Michael Meyer, is the youngest member of the squad.

Distance swimmers normally take cues from their coaches at poolside, but near-sighted Meyer was unable to.

“I’m kind of blind so looking at my coach is a bit hard. We had a thing where he was going to wave me on . I couldn’t really see him too much.

“But it still worked out – I knew it had to burn and it started to burn so I knew I was on track.”

He touched in 15min 09.58sec, well inside the qualifying mark of 15:14.77.

His looming selection – the final decision is to be made by the SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc), but that should be a formality – will affect his school work, with the squad away from next month until after the Games.

But Meyer wasn’t fazed. “School can wait,” he joked.

“My academics are right up there. I came in the top three in the grade a couple of years ago so I can still do it . if I can get A aggregates I’ll be happy.”

Meyer, who wants to dip under 15 minutes in Rio in a bid to make the final, started swimming when he was eight.

“At first I was a breaststroker and now my legs don’t work.”

He did his first 1500m at 13. “I was pulling away in the last 200m and that’s when I knew this is for me.”

By: DAVID ISAACSON

Source: Times Live

Home Interviews Sports Swimming

Fresh & Hungry: Carmen Botha

April 23, 2016 Published by: Cresi Heslop

Today meet Carmen Botha, a true champion in and out of the water. I must say that connecting with this special athlete has given me fresh hope and new excitement for our girls in swimming. She is a deeply grateful and passionate young athlete with her eye firmly set on the prize. Tokyo 2020 will be a year to behold!

She comes from a long and rich lineage of swimming from baby days with mommy coach always around to guide and inspire. Carmen, despite that ever bubbling smile has a deep seated determination of steel. This gives hope for the next generation of world changers in girl swimming.

Carmen is ever grateful and gives the glory to God for her talents. She speaks with much respect about her brilliant Coach – Rocco Meiring, for his constant advice and leadership on her swim journey.

About community she says “I also believe in justice for all and I feel that every person on this earth must be treated equally, no matter your status. I feel very sorry for poor people and try to help them wherever I can, within my ability. I would like to see myself as a person that can make a positive difference in other people’s lives. I want to contribute to this world by caring and adding value to other people’s lives. Since my young days I felt passionate about helping others. Maybe that is why I want to become a lawyer one day? Not to defend criminals, but to help others whose rights are trampled upon. Nelson Mandela is a true example of how one individual can make a difference to others”.

Athlete: Bio / Stats
Name & Surname	Carmen Botha
Nick Name	“The Beast” (given to her by a previous swimming coach, because she trains so hard)
Date of birth	29-06-1999
Place of birth	Nelspruit
Current City	Pretoria
Height	1,67m
Weight	49kg
Shoe Size	6
Club	TUKS AQUATICS
Coach’s Name	Rocco Meiring
Out of Country events/ meets	June 2016 – Mare Nostrum (Monaco)
Favorite City	Monaco
Favorite Song/ type of music	“Running” by Milky Chance
Favorite Movie	Palo Alto
School & Grade	Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria (AHMP) / Grade 11
Sponsors	Was Speedo previously
Twitter Facebook Instagram	@carriesswim (Twitter), Carmen Botha (Facebook), camenbotha_ (Instagram)
Parents Names, siblings	Arrie Botha (Father), Lizette Botha (Mother), Mikal Botha (Older sister)

INTERVIEW:

Q: You are passionate and doing brilliantly 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 mom is a swimming teacher. She owns a swimming school (Kiddies Aqua Swimming Academy) for the past 28 years. My mom taught me to swim. I started swimming at the age of four months (Self-Rescue Water Safety Method also known as Baby Floating). I could swim before I could walk. Since then I have been swimming literally every day of my life. My mom has taught more than 7 000 babies to float and 16 000 children to swim, so swimming is part of our family’s DNA since long now. She recently also taught the little Prince and Princess of Monaco to swim. She taught me all the basic strokes since I was 3-years old. I started swimming competitively at the age of 5 years and was already on a swimming program of Dean Price (Swim SA’s High Performance Manager) at the age of 5 years doing between 3 and 5km of swimming per day. I have obtained provincial colors in swimming since the age of 7 years when I started taking part at the SA Schools Championships. As a 7-year old, I swam in the category for Girls 9 Years Old. Since then I have made every provincial swimming team, first in Mpumalanga and then at Northern Tigers (NTS) and Gauteng. I broke several age-group records at school competitions and currently hold four NTS-provincial Age Group Records. I have won every Victrix Ludorum trophy at school since Grade 3, except for one year, until now in Grade 11. I have also won several other provincial- and school trophies for “Best Swimmer” and “Swimmer of the Year” during the past nine years. I have also been included in the SA Junior Training Squads since age 12 years. All these trophies, medals and accolades are not important. I just love swimming and cannot go without it for one day. A year ago I went through a bad patch. I was in the middle of puberty and my body was playing all sorts of tricks on me. I nearly quitted swimming. My coach told me to take a week off and go and think about my swimming future. Two days later, I was back in the pool, knowing that I cannot go without swimming. I started to pay more attention to my diet and lost 11 kilograms in four months. That and my new motivation allowed me to become competitive again. During the past National Level 3 Championships that took place a week ago in PE, I won 2x gold-, 2x silver- and 1x bronze medals in my age group (Girls 16 Years Old). I have also obtained 4x Senior National Times. I give the entire honor to the Lord and my committed swimming coach (Rocco Meiring). They gave me a second swimming-life.

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

I am a highly goal-driven individual who is always striving to improve on my best achievements, does not matter if it is swimming, academics, or whatever. I set very high standards for myself, sometimes to the frustration of my parents and swimming coach. I don’t compromise on my preparation. I believe in the 5 P’s, namely PROPER PREPARATION PREVENT POOR PERFORMANCE. I don’t feel comfortable when I have not prepared well. Fortunately, my swimming coach is following the same philosophy. Rather over-prepare. A thing is either black or white to me, no grey areas.

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

I think it must be the inclusion in the SA Swimming Junior Squads since age 12 years old. At the age of 12 I was No1 in SA in 13 events (Short Course and Long Course combined) for my age group. I have always been in the Top 5 in SA in most of my events, sometimes No 1 in some of them. I have also won several trophies and broke several records over the years. My greatest achievement must be to make a comeback in swimming last year. My recent results are proof of that. It is very satisfactory and it motivates me to lift the bar even higher. It also taught me to never give up on your dream, no matter how tough the road to that dream is. It is not an easy road to become a champion otherwise everyone would have been a champion.

Q: What was your last major champs / meet, and how did you experience it? Lesson learned?

My last major championship was the recent SA Level 3 National Championships held in PE (18-22 March 2016). It was one of my best galas ever, considering that I only won a couple of bronze medals last year this time. This year I have accomplished much more with the 2x gold, 2x silver and 1x bronze medal. I have also improved on all my Personal Best Times with leaps and bounds. Some of the times I could not believe I was capable of. It gives me great hope for the future. Lesson learned was that anything is possible when you apply your mind and body to it.

Q: In your opinion, what is the value of Education for our youth?

Education is the key to a successful future for any individual. It is one thing people cannot take away from you. Sounds like a cliché, but it is so true. Education is the gateway out of poverty for so many poor young kids. I salute all these top performers coming from disadvantage communities. They don’t have all the privileges and means that we have got, but they rise above their circumstances and perform exceptionally well. We need to improve every child’s circumstances in this country to enable them to rise out of poverty. A good education also gives them a feel of accomplishment, which leads to self-respect. If a child is not academically strong, create other opportunities for him. Place him/her in a good sports- or apprentice program where he/she can develop other skills to the fullest. These skills can then be applied to start a successful career.

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

I gave my heart to the Lord at a very young age. It came very naturally and my awareness of the Lord’s presence was always with me since I can remember. Who I am today is all because of the grace of God. I don’t deserve anything more than others, but I am thankful for the talents I have been given. I am a devoted Believer and know that I cannot achieve anything without the help of the Lord. I am a sinner, but I believe in His forgiveness. I have got a very active relationship with the Lord, with a few frustrating “why’s” sometimes. I feel uncomfortable talking about my achievements, but because you were asking me to do this interview I suppose I have to give you a thorough answer.

Q: What do you do to relax?

I don’t have a lot of time to relax, taking my training regime and schoolwork into account. But when I do relax, I like to spend time with friends away from swimming. My best friends do not even really know about my swimming achievements, because it is not important for me that they must know. I am more interested in what is going on in their lives, than talking about my life. They give me a different perspective in life than just swimming. They bring some balance in my life. None of them are good in any sport, but they have got other excellent talents. The common denominator amongst us is fun and a lot of laughter. They make me relax in a different way. I also enjoy spending time with my sister (who is coincidently a much more talented swimmer than I can ever dream of). I have also met a very special person recently. He is more than just a cute swimmer. He is pretty, interesting, intelligent and full of fun. We don’t talk about swimming away from the pool. He makes me smile non-stop.

Q: What is your personal favourite motivational quote?

“I hated every minute of training, but I said, “Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a Champion.” – Muhammad Ali

Q: What is your favourite Bible / Scripture quote?

Galatians 5:22-23

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

Q: What is your biggest challenge, and what do you do to manage this challenge?

My biggest challenge is to stay competitive in the water. There are no compromises when competing at the highest level. If you want to be a Champion you need to sacrifice many things and need to do the right things right. Another challenge is that I don’t give myself enough credit for what I achieve. I can be very tough on myself in terms of my performances. I always want to perform better and better, but don’t realize that it is not always possible. My coach also tells me that I am too tough on myself and that it tends to interfere with my personal growth as an athlete. I place too much pressure on myself.

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

Success can be achieved by anyone. Reaching a personal goal, no matter how big or small, can be defined as being successful. Success is not determined by the size of your house, car or bank balance, it is more of making full use of your God-given talents, how big or small. I think God expects that from us. The harder you work the more successful you become. The one is a result of the other one. A sound relationship with God means more to me than being popular or famous amongst people – that is the ultimate success to me.

Q: What’s your WHY ?

My WHY is that I want to be successful in everything I approach. I want to do everything to the best of my ability and that is why I don’t focus on too many things at the same time. Currently it is only swimming and schoolwork (and a special friend). I am a great believer in setting an example for younger kids. I want to be an inspiration for younger kids, especially the weak and the poor. I don’t think I will be materially very rich one day, because I will give everything that I have got away to the needy and the poor. I always think: “Why am I so privileged and some people don’t have what I have?” For me it feels unfair. I had this conscious since a very young age. I appreciate what I have got, but it gives me more pleasure if I can share it with others. One of my idols is Princess Charlene of Monaco (who is coincidentally also a personal friend of ours). She has got such a giving heart and -spirit. She wants to make the world a better place for the less-privileged and the weak. She does not care about fame at all. I want to be like that. Also like Gary Player said the other day – “People must not remember him for his great achievements as a golfer, but rather for how he influenced other people’s lives positively.”

Q: What is your message of encouragement to South African and youth of the world?

You have only got one life. Live it to the fullest. Learn from your- and other people’s mistakes. Educate and/or skill yourself well. Live and love your dreams without limitations. Stay humble and add value to other people’s lives. We are all God’s favorites and He has got a special plan for each one of us.

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

I am grateful that God has given me certain talents. I am grateful that we as a family are blessed with many things, most importantly happiness. Any person can be happy, and I have chosen to be happy. I am grateful for the true friends I have and the positive influence they have on my life. They are my friends for who I am and not for what I have achieved. I am most grateful that Jesus has died for me on the cross and that He lives in my heart. I am grateful that my coach has given me a “second life” in swimming and that he believed in me when I did not believe in myself anymore. He made me think of what I want to achieve. He facilitated the thought-process and allowed me to decide for myself what I want to do.

Q: Anything else you would like to share?

I would like to thank you for the opportunity to talk to you. I feel humbled by it and would like to wish you all the best with the excellent work you do. Thank you for the straight- and honest questions and for making a difference in other people’s lives.

REPORT BACK: SENIOR NATIONALS / OLYMPIC TRIALS 2016

Sy swem 6x items, behaal 5x semi-finale (Top 20) en 4x finale (Top 10). Daar is gemiddeld 90x swemmers wat deelneem in elke item.

Item geswem	Plek behaal
400m IM	7de
100m Rugslag	12de
200m IM	10de
200m Borsslag	10de
200m Rugslag	10de

Thank you so much for taking this interview. Thanks for your kind words towards us. 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!

NTS Northern Tigers Swimming Sports Swimming

Huge dreams for a huge talent

April 22, 2016 Published by: Cresi Heslop

Jarred Crous would one day like to be the best in the world like Cameron van der Burgh has been for so many years.

The teenage breaststroker made the first step towards realising his dream when he qualified for the Rio Olympic Games at last week’s South African Swimming Championships in Durban.

Finishing behind Van der Burgh in the 200m breaststroke, the 19-year-old Crous posted a time of 2:11.65 to take four seconds off his previous best time to earn a place to his maiden Games.

”Now the hard work really begins to ensure I can actually compete and not just participate at the Olympics because you want to compete against the best in the world,” Crous said.

”The goal is to become the best one day, so I will have to start working on that now.”The former Crawford College pupil represented South Africa at the 2014 Nanjing Youth Olympics where he featured in the finals of the 50, 100, and 200m breaststroke.

Crous’ reason for getting into the pool is the same as Van der Burgh’s as their diagnoses for ADHD led them to swimming as alternative treatment to medication.

They also matriculated from the same school, and will both be swimming the same events in Rio de Janeiro in August.While Van der Burgh will be going into the Games as the defending champion in the 100m breaststroke and as serious medal prospect, Crous will be using his debut on the global stage as a stepping stone to future glory.

”The build-up to 2016 started last year September when I moved to Igor Omelchenko, and he said ‘we can make it if we put in all the effort’ but he couldn’t guarantee it, no-one can,” Crous said.

”It is going to be building blocks towards 2020 and 2024 going to my first major international gala and you can’t go much bigger than the Olympic Games.”This one will be more about getting the experience, taking in the vibe, and trying to make semi-finals and do personal best times while I am there.

”Crous’ qualifying swim provided one of the most poignant moments of last week’s championships as his father Juan Crous celebrated his son’s feat.

”You f…king champion!” Juan exclaimed as he hugged his son before they shared in an emotional embrace.Qualifying for the pinnacle of his sport, Crous talked about the personal sacrifices his parents had to make to aid him in reaching his dreams.

”When I won my first gold in 2005 my dad asked me what I wanted to do from there and I said I wanted to swim at the Olympics one day,” Crous recalled.

”My parents promised to do anything in their powers to get me there and they’ve done pretty much everything for me, the sacrifices have been huge, when we had no money they would support me no matter what.”

Source: IOL

Home Olympics 2016 Rio Proudly South African Swimming

SA Olympic Trials Day 6: Tatjana the Brave

April 16, 2016 Published by: Cresi Heslop

Last night saw the world and SA sitting on edge as we spurred on Tatjana Schoenmaker with all our hearts to be the first qualifying female Olympian at the SA Olympic Trials. She came within one hundredth of a second from qualifying. What a brave swim and what a victorious athlete already considering that she actually did this Olympic qualifying time already at the SA Swimming Grand Prix just a while back in Stellenbosch. There she clocked 2:26.50 and last night 2:26.95. Tatjana you are a true champion and we salute you.

Congratulations goes out to four additional Olympic and Paralympic qualification times were posted at Durban’s Kings Park Aquatics Centre as Chad Le Clos, Brad Tandy, Hendri Herbst and Adri Visser shined bright during the second-last day of the SA National Aquatic Championships.

Well done and Congratulations Adri Visser – Photo Credits: Heslop Sports

Get to know Adri here: http://heslopsports.co.za/wp/adri-visser/

Chad le Clos raced to his third Olympic Qualification time of the competition, this time in the 100m butterfly semi-finals, clocking 51.91 to Ryan Coetzee’s 53.44 and Dylan Bosch’s 54.04, ahead of tomorrow night’s final.

Brad Tandy, who swam to an Olympic Qualifying time of 22.13 in the heats session of the 50m freestyle earlier in the day, topped the evening semi-finals race in a slower 22.28, to the required 22.27. Tandy will be looking to improve on that performance when he takes to the water in tomorrow’s final, alongside Douglas Erasmus and Roland Schoeman, who finished in 22.40 and 22.69 respectively.

The semi-finals of the 200m backstroke were contested between Nathania van Niekerk, Mariella Venter and Samantha Randle, with Van Niekerk touching the wall first in 2:11.53 to Venter’s 2:13.36 and Randle’s 2:17.71. The final of the event will take place tomorrow.

Tatjana Schoenamer just missed out on qualification to the Rio Olympic Games in the 200m breaststroke event, finishing the race in 2:26.95, while Kaylene Corbett walked away with the silver in 2:30.18 and Franko Jonker with the bronze in 2:31.29. The set standard stood at 2:26.94.

Photo Credits: Brian Spurr Photography

Karin Prinsloo raced ahead of the pack in the 100m freestyle and won the gold in 56.12, while Erin Gallagher claimed the silver in a close 56.31 and Tayla Lovemore the bronze in 56.98.

In the 200m backstroke, Martin Binedell made his way to the top of the medal podium in 2:01.35 followed by Neil Fair in 2:02.40 and Ricky Ellis in 2:02.72, while Bosch took the honors in the 200m individual medley in 2:01.24 ahead of Michael Meyer (2:01.69) and Jarryd Baxter (2:03.21).

Martin Binedell – http://heslopsports.co.za/wp/martin-binedell/

Hendri Herbst (S11) raced to his third Paralympic Qualification time, clocking a fast 27.24 in the 50m freestyle, while Adri Visser (S5) added her name to the ever-growing list in the 50m butterfly, when she finished in 52.02 to the required 54.29.

Mark Roach won the S14 and S15 50m freestyle event in 25.43 ahead of Craig Groenewald in 27.11 and Aaron Putz in 28.29, while on the ladies side, Christelle Kriel, Cornell Loubser and Maritza Snyder topped their race in 30.89, 29.64 and 34.88, respectively.

Loubser scooped the gold ahead of Kriel in the 50m butterfly, touching the wall in 30.02 to Kriel’s 33.29, while Groenewald went one better in his category, winning the race in 29.34, with Ahmat Hassiem walked away with the gold in the S1-S13 race in 27.45.

In the S1-S13 50m freestyle, Emily Gray, Shireen Sapiro and Shannon Martins came out on top in 32.53, 31.56 and 34.35 respectively.

The final day heats will start at 10h00 while the finals will begin at 18h30.

The staging of this event has been made possible through the support provided by Swimming SA partners, Sport and Recreation South Africa, SASCOC, National Lotteries Commission, Arena, Rand Water and the SABC.

Olympic Qualifying Times following Day 06:

Sebastien Rousseau – 400m individual medley – 4:14.75
Michael Meyer – 400m individual medley – 4:15.71
Myles Brown – 400m freestyle – 3:48.86
Cameron van der Burgh – 100m breaststroke – 59.66
Cameron van der Burgh – 200m breaststroke – 2:10.13
Christopher Reid – 100m backstroke – 54.02
Chad le Clos – 200m freestyle – 1:47.75
Chad le Clos – 200m butterfly – 1:55.04
Chad le Clos – 100m butterfly – 51.91 (SF)
Jarred Crous – 200m breaststroke – 2:11.65
Brad Tandy – 50m freestyle – 22.13 (heats)

Paralympic Qualifying Times following Day 06:

Kevin Paul (SM10) – 200m individual medley – 2:15.78
Kevin Paul (SB9) – 100m breaststroke – 1:05.10
Johann van Heerden (SB9) – 100m breaststroke – 1:12.64
Alani Ferreira (SM13) – 200m individual medley – 2:50.43
Alani Ferreira (S13) – 400m freestyle – 5:21.00 (heats)
Alani Ferreira (SB13) – 100m breaststroke – 1:26.90
Alani Ferreira (S13) – 100m butterfly – 1:23.37
Emily Gray (S9) – 400m freestyle – 5:05.36 (heats)
Emily Gray (S10) – 100m backstroke – 1:17.17
Craig Groenewald (SB14) – 100m breaststroke – 1:12.33
Hendri Herbst (S11) – 100m backstroke – 1:16.84
Hendri Herbst (S11) – 100m freestyle – 1:00.01
Hendri Herbst (S11) – 50m freestyle – 27.24
Shireen Sapiro (S10) – 100m backstroke – 1:11.87
Achmat Hassiem (S10) – 100m butterfly – 1:00.44 (heats)
Beth Nothling (S5) – 50m backstroke – 55.50
Adri Visser (S5) – 50m butterfly – 52.02

*SF – Semi-Final

Media Statement by Swimming South Africa

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SA Olympic Trials: Day 5: Brothers in Arms & Victory

April 15, 2016 Published by: Cresi Heslop

The 5th day of the SA Olympic Trials proved to be one of deep emotion and great victory for two of Gauteng’s Northern Tigers Swimmers: Jarred Crous and Cameron van der Burgh as they shared Olympic entry times. Well done to these two homies of mine! (Thursday 14^th April 2016 )

They turned up the tempo as they posted thrilling finishes and recorded Olympic Qualifying Times on the fifth day of the SA National Aquatic Championships at the Kings Park Aquatics Centre in Durban.

Jarred Crous & Cameron van der Burgh – New meaning to ‘brothers in arms’ – Photo Credits: Heslop Sports

Jarred Crous

Photo Credits: Brian Spurr Photography

Van der Burgh was quick off the block and confirmed his Olympic Qualification time in the 200m breaststroke with a golden 2:10.13, while 19 year old Crous was over the moon with his first qualification time of the competition and the silver medal, clocking 2:11.65, just 0.01secs under the required 2:11.66. Ayrton Sweeney won the bronze in 2:14.36.

Photo Credits: Brian Spurr Photography

Christopher Reid just missed out on adding the 200m backstroke to his list of Olympic Qualifying times when he raced to a 1:58.31 in tonight’s semi-finals, just 0.09secs of the required 1:58.22. Reid will be looking to better that performance in tomorrow’s final.

In the 200m breaststroke semi-finals, Tatjana Schoenmaker, Franko Jonker and Kaylene Corbett swam the fastest to qualify for tomorrow evening’s final in 2:27.48, 2:28.70 and 2:32.29, while on the men’s side, Sebastien Rousseau, Neil Fair and Dylan Bosch topped the 200m individual medley semi-finals in 2:01.21, 2:04.02 and 2:04.31, respectively.

Tatjana Schoenmaker – Photo Credits: Heslop Sports

Erin Gallagher and Karin Prinsloo finished first and second the 100m freestyle semi-finals in 56.30 and 56.54, respectively and will both strive for faster times ahead of tomorrow night’s final, in the hope of clocking the set 54.43.

Karin Prinsloo – Photo Credits: Heslop Sports

Rene Warnes was at the top of the medal podium in the 200m butterfly in 2:16.75, over six seconds ahead of Marli Jacobs in 2:22.25 and Hanim Abrahams in 2:22.46, while the 100m freestyle title went to Calvyn Justus in 49.88, followed by Myles Brown in 50.21 and Douglas Erasmus in 50.31

Rene Warnes – Photo Credits: Heslop Sports

Two more Paralympic Qualifying Times were posted in the multi-disability events as Beth Nothling added her name to the growing list, finishing the 50m backstroke in 55.50 to the required 56.11.

Hendri Herbst (S11) raced to his second Paralympic Qualification time in the 100m freestyle, touching the wall in 1:00.01, while Emily Gray claimed the gold in her category in 1:09.94 and Craig Groenewald won the S14 and S15 race in 58.45.

In the S14 and S15 50m backstroke, Mark Roach was victorious in 29.71 ahead of Aaron Putz in 33.08 and Raymond de Freitas in 33.89, while on the ladies side, Christelle Kriel came out on top in 36.55 with the silver and bronze going to Michaela Kretzen (40.57) and Maritza Snyder (42.53). The trio also finished with the gold, silver and bronze in the 100m freestyle, clocking 1:03.20, 1:07.82 and 1:15.28 respectively.

Achmat Hassiem won the S1-S13 50m backstroke in 32.54, followed by Jean Pretorius in 33.87 and Thulane Mabuza in 35.64, as Shireen Sapiro scooped the gold in her respective race in 34.79 ahead of Shannon Martins (40.97) and Michelle Bloem (39.24).

Achmat Hassiem – Photo Credits: Heslop Sports

Sapiro (S10) and Hassiem (S10) also claimed the silver medals in the 100m freestyle in 1:08.99 and 57.38 respectively.

The day 06 heats will start at 10h00 while the finals will begin at 18h30 daily.

Olympic Qualifying Times following Day 05:

Sebastien Rousseau – 400m individual medley – 4:14.75
Michael Meyer – 400m individual medley – 4:15.71
Myles Brown – 400m freestyle – 3:48.86
Cameron van der Burgh – 100m breaststroke – 59.66
Cameron van der Burgh – 200m breaststroke – 2:10.13
Christopher Reid – 100m backstroke – 54.02
Chad le Clos – 200m freestyle – 1:47.75
Chad le Clos – 200m butterfly – 1:55.04
Jarred Crous – 200m breaststroke – 2:11.65

Paralympic Qualifying Times following Day 05:

Kevin Paul (SM10) – 200m individual medley – 2:15.78
Kevin Paul (SB9) – 100m breaststroke – 1:05.10
Johann van Heerden (SB9) – 100m breaststroke – 1:12.64
Alani Ferreira (SM13) – 200m individual medley – 2:50.43
Alani Ferreira (S13) – 400m freestyle – 5:21.00 (heats)
Alani Ferreira (SB13) – 100m breaststroke – 1:26.90
Alani Ferreira (S13) – 100m butterfly – 1:23.37
Emily Gray (S9) – 400m freestyle – 5:05.36 (heats)
Emily Gray (S10) – 100m backstroke – 1:17.17
Craig Groenewald (SB14) – 100m breaststroke – 1:12.33
Hendri Herbst (S11) – 100m backstroke – 1:16.84
Hendri Herbst (S11) – 100m freestyle – 1:00.01
Shireen Sapiro (S10) – 100m backstroke – 1:11.87
Achmat Hassiem (S10) – 100m butterfly – 1:00.44 (heats)
Beth Nothling (S5) – 50m backstroke – 55.50

*SF – Semi-Final

For further information please contact:

Swimming South Africa is the governing body of aquatics in South Africa.

Its objective is to encourage the practice of aquatic disciplines for all in South Africa with the purpose of promoting swimming as a life skill through Learn To Swim programmes; providing healthy exercise to South Africans of all ages and races; recruiting recreational swimmers to compete in the various competitions; and promoting competition and athlete development to the highest level. Swimming South Africa is kindly supported by SASCOC, National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, Arena, Sport & Recreation SA and Rand Water.

Please visit www.swimsa.org for further information and news regarding Swimming.

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Sports Swimming

SA Olympic Trials: Day 4: 13 April 2016

April 13, 2016 Published by: Cresi Heslop

Media Statement by Swimming South Africa

Durban, Wednesday, 13^th April 2016 – Mzansi’s swimmers were once again unstoppable as they continued on their quest for Olympic and Paralympic Qualifying Times on the fourth day of the SA National Aquatic Championships at the Kings Park Aquatics Centre in Durban.

Olympian Chad le Clos took the honors in the final of the 200m butterfly, while confirming his Olympic Qualification time with a quick 1:55.04, followed by Sebastien Rousseau in 1:57.38 and Dylan Bosch in 1:58.18.

There was plenty of action in the 200m breaststroke as Cameron van der Burgh clocked yet another Olympic Qualification time today when he swam a time of 2:11.10, while Jarred Crous and Ayrton Sweeney ended second and third in 2:12.47 and 2:13.38 respectively. The final of the race will take place tomorrow.

The semi-finals of the 100m freestyle saw Douglas Erasmus top the group in 49.85, followed by Caydon Muller in 49.90. Erasmus and Muller will be striving for a faster time in tomorrow’s final to clock the 48.99 requirement for the Rio Olympic Games.

In the 200m butterfly semi-finals, it was Rene Warnes who touched the wall first in 2:13.85, while Marlie Jacob and Taryn Els finished a close second and third in 2:22.13 and 2:23.18, respectively. The final of the event will be held tomorrow.

Karin Prinsloo won the 200m freestyle final in 1:59.86, over four seconds ahead of Kristin Bellingan in 2:04.13 and Caitlin Kat in 2:04.40, while the 200m individual medley gold went to Marlies Ross in 2:17.47 ahead of Gabi Grobler in 2:19.05 and Kirsty McLauchlan in 2:20.38.

In the multi-disability section, Alani Ferreira (S13) walked away with her fourth Paralympic Qualification time and third African Record, this time in the 100m butterfly, clocking 1:23.37. Ferreira once again broke Marike Naude’s 2011 time of 1:25.91.

Achmat Hassiem (S10) swam to a Paralympic Qualification time of 1:00.44 in the 100m butterfly heats session but just missed out on confirming that time when he finished the finals of the event with a golden 1:00.59 to the set 1:00.47. The silver medal went to Jared Burger in 1:09.20 and the bronze to Jean Pretorius in 1:12.80.

Aaron Putz claimed the gold in the S14 and S15 100m butterfly in 1:11.38 ahead of Sean O’Neil in 1:41.01, while on the ladies side, Cornell Loubser (S15) won her respective race in 1:07.40 with Christelle Kriel coming in second in 1:17.16.

The day 05 heats will start at 10h00 while the finals will begin at 18h30 daily.

Olympic Qualifying Times following Day 04:

Sebastien Rousseau – 400m individual medley – 4:14.75
Michael Meyer – 400m individual medley – 4:15.71
Myles Brown – 400m freestyle – 3:48.86
Cameron van der Burgh – 100m breaststroke – 59.66
Cameron van der Burgh – 200m breaststroke (SF) – 2:11.10
Christopher Reid – 100m backstroke – 54.02
Chad le Clos – 200m freestyle – 1:47.75
Chad le Clos – 200m butterfly – 1:55.04

Paralympic Qualifying Times following Day 04:

Kevin Paul (SM10) – 200m individual medley – 2:15.78
Kevin Paul (SB9) – 100m breaststroke – 1:05.10
Johann van Heerden (SB9) – 100m breaststroke – 1:12.64
Alani Ferreira (SM13) – 200m individual medley – 2:50.43
Alani Ferreira (S13) – 400m freestyle – 5:21.00 (heats)
Alani Ferreira (SB13) – 100m breaststroke – 1:26.90
Alani Ferreira (S13) – 100m butterfly – 1:23.37
Emily Gray (S9) – 400m freestyle – 5:05.36 (heats)
Emily Gray (S10) – 100m backstroke – 1:17.17
Craig Groenewald (SB14) – 100m breaststroke – 1:12.33
Hendri Herbst (S11) – 100m backstroke – 1:16.84
Shireen Sapiro (S10) – 100m backstroke – 1:11.87
Achmat Hassiem (S10) – 100m butterfly – 1:00.44 (heats)

*SF – Semi-Final

Images credits: Heslop Sports

Home Olympics 2016 Rio Proudly South African Sports Swimming

SA Olympic Trials: Day 3: 12 April 2016

April 13, 2016 Published by: Cresi Heslop

Media Statement by Swimming South Africa

Durban, Tuesday, 12^th April 2016 – Chad le Clos led the way as the Olympic and Paralympic Qualification short list continued to grow on the third night of swimming action at the SA National Aquatic Championships at the Kings Park Aquatics Centre in Durban.

It was a close finish between Chad le Clos and Myles Brown in the final of the 200m freestyle. Le Clos came out on top and confirmed his Olympic Qualification time with a golden 1:47.75, while the silver medal went to Brown in 1:48.29 and the bronze to Egypt’s Marwan Elkamash in 1:48.34.

Le Clos’s second Olympic Qualification time came in the 200m butterfly semi-finals, where he led the pack from start to finish and posted a fast 1:55.61, to the required 1:56.97, while Sebastien Rousseau was a close second in 1:57.60. The final of the event will take place tomorrow.

The phenomenal performances continued with Christopher Reid, who raced to the gold and an Olympic qualification time of 54.02 in the 100m backstroke finals, followed by Zane Waddell in 56.09 and Jacques van Wyk in 56.25.

The 200m individual medley semi-finals saw Marlies Ross, Kirsty McLauchlan and Gabi Grobler take the top three positions in 2:16.17, 2:19.29 and 2:21.61, respectively. The final will be held tomorrow.

Karin Prinsloo came one step closer to making the Olympic Qualifying Time of 1:58.96 in the 200m freestyle, when she won the semi-finals this evening in 2:00.96 ahead of Kristin Bellingan in 2:04.98 and Caitlin Kat in 2:05.59.

In the 100m backstroke final, Mariella Venter walked away with the title in 1:01.32, with Nathania van Niekerk in second, clocking 1:02.41 and Jessica Ashley-Cooper third in 1:02.46, while the 100m breaststroke gold was claimed by Tatjana Schoenmaker in 1:09.17 ahead of Franko Jonker in 1:09.24 and Tara Nicholas in 1:09.30.

With five athletes having already swum eight Paralympic Qualifying Times to date, Shireen Sapiro (S10) and Emily Gray (S9) added their names on the short list to Rio by improving on their heat times to finish the 100m backstroke in 1:11.87 and 1:17.17, dipping under the set 1:13.40 and 1:17.70, respectively.

Hendri Herbst posted his first Paralympic Qualification time in the S11 100m backstroke, claiming the gold in 1:16.84, while Craig Groenewald won the S14 and S15 event in 1:09.50, with Aaron Putz coming in second in 1:11.39 and Challis Wright third in 1:11.66.

Christelle Kriel just missed out on the Paralympic Qualification time in the S14 and S15 100m backstroke, when she finished with a time of 1:16.40 to the required 1:16.23, while Michaela Kretzen took the silver in 1:26.18 and Maritza Snyders the bronze in 1:31.36.

The day 04 heats will start at 10h00 while the finals will begin at 18h30 daily.

Olympic Qualifying Times following Day 03:

Sebastien Rousseau – 400m individual medley – 4:14.75
Michael Meyer – 400m individual medley – 4:15.71
Myles Brown – 400m freestyle – 3:48.86
Cameron van der Burgh – 100m breaststroke – 59.66
Christopher Reid – 100m backstroke – 54.02
Chad le Clos – 200m freestyle – 1:47.75
Chad le Clos – 200m butterfly (SF) – 1:55.61

Paralympic Qualifying Times following Day 03:

Kevin Paul (SM10) – 200m individual medley – 2:15.78
Kevin Paul (SB9) – 100m breaststroke – 1:05.10
Johann van Heerden (SB9) – 100m breaststroke – 1:12.64
Alani Ferreira (SM13) – 200m individual medley – 2:50.43
Alani Ferreira (S13) – 400m freestyle – 5:21.00 (heats)
Alani Ferreira (SB13) – 100m breaststroke – 1:26.90
Emily Gray (S9) – 400m freestyle – 5:05.36 (heats)
Emily Gray (S10) – 100m backstroke – 1:17.17
Craig Groenewald (SB14) – 100m breaststroke – 1:12.33
Hendri Herbst (S11) – 100m backstroke – 1:16.84
Shireen Sapiro (S10) – 100m backstroke – 1:11.87

Home Olympics 2016 Rio Proudly South African Sports Swimming

SA Olympic Trials: Day 2

April 13, 2016 Published by: Cresi Heslop

Media Statement by Swimming South Africa

Durban, Monday, 11^th April 2016 – The Olympic and Paralympic Qualification times continued to tumble in, while Alani Ferreira broke another Africa Record on the second day of the SA National Aquatic Championships at the Kings Park Aquatics Centre in Durban.

Cameron van der Burgh brought the crowd to their feet when he confirmed his Olympic Qualification Time in the 100m breaststroke final, winning the race in a golden 59.66. Jarred Crous claimed the silver in 1:01.10 and Craig Emslie the bronze in 1:02.33.

Chad le Clos sprinted to a thrilling finish in the semi-finals of the 200m freestyle, clocking his first Olympic Qualifying Time of the Championships in 1:47.88, while Myles Brown and Egypt’s Marwan Elkamash were close behind in 1:48.05 and 1:48.66 respectively. The final for race will be held tomorrow.

Christopher Reid took the 100m backstroke semi-finals by storm, racing ahead of the pack with an Olympic Qualification time of 53.23, over two seconds ahead of Jacques van Wyk in 55.93 and Ricky Ellis in 55.97. The final of the event will be held tomorrow.

Mariella Venter, Jessica Ashley-Cooper and Nathania van Niekerk topped the 100m backstroke semi-finals in 1:00.97, 1:02.36 and 1:02.69 respectively, closing in on the Olympic requirement of 1:00.25, while in the 100m breaststroke semi-finals Tara Nicholas was fastest in 1:08.68 ahead of Tatjana Schoenmaker in 1:08.72 and Franco Jonker in 1:08.79.

Both race finals will take place tomorrow.

The gold in the 100m butterfly went to Marne Erasmus in 59.92, while Vanessa Mohr grabbed the silver in 1:00.34 and Rene Warnes the bronze in 1:01.48, as Caitlin Kat was victorious in the 400m freestyle in 4:20.19 ahead of Kristin Bellingan in 4:20.38 and Kate Beavon in 4:23.26.

Six Paralympic Qualifying times were added to the list when Craig Groenewald posted 1:12.33 in the SB14 100m breaststroke race, while Kevin Paul (SB9) and Johann van Heerden (SB9) made the time in 1:05.10 and 1:12.64 respectively.

Alani Ferreira (SB13) bettered her heats time by over three seconds when she touched the wall with a Paralympic Qualification time of 1:26.90 in the 100m breaststroke and added the 400m freestyle to her list when she finished with a new African Record and Paralympic qualification time of 5:21.00 during the morning heats session.

The previous record was held by Marike Naude and stood at 5:21.81 from 2011.

Emily Gray (S9) also swam the 400m freestyle heats and raced to a Paralympic qualification time of 5:05.36.

In the S14 and S15 100m breaststroke multi-disability event, the gold medal was claimed by Maritza Snyder in 1:41.82 ahead of Michaela Kretzen in 1:48.97 and Cornelia Fowler in 1:50.74.

The day 03 heats will start at 10h00 while the finals will begin at 18h30 daily.

The staging of this event has been made possible through the support provided by Swimming SA partners, Sport and Recreation South Africa, SASCOC, Arena, Rand Water and the National Lotteries Commission.

Olympic Qualifying Times following Day 02:

Sebastien Rousseau – 400m individual medley – 4:14.75
Michael Meyer – 400m individual medley – 4:15.71
Myles Brown – 400m freestyle – 3:48.86
Cameron van der Burgh – 100m breaststroke – 59.66
Christopher Reid – 100m backstroke (SF) – 53.23
Chad le Clos – 200m freestyle (SF) – 1:47.88

Paralympic Qualifying Times following Day 02:

Kevin Paul (SM10) – 200m individual medley – 2:15.78
Kevin Paul (SB9) – 100m breaststroke – 1:05.10
Johann van Heerden (SB9) – 100m breaststroke – 1:12.64
Alani Ferreira (SM13) – 200m individual medley – 2:50.43
Alani Ferreira (S13) – 400m freestyle – 5:21.00 (heats)
Alani Ferreira (SB13) – 100m breaststroke – 1:26.90
Emily Gray (S9) – 400m freestyle – 5:05.36 (heats)
Craig Groenewald (SB14) – 100m breaststroke – 1:12.33

*SF – Semi-Final

Home Olympics 2016 Rio Proudly South African Sports Swimming

SA Olympic Trials: Day 1

April 13, 2016 Published by: Cresi Heslop

Media Statement by Swimming South Africa

Mzansi’s swim stars penciled their names in for the Rio Olympic team short list after producing spectacular performances on the opening night of the SA National Aquatic Championships held at the Kings Park Aquatics Centre in Durban.

The phenomenal spectator support added to the electric atmosphere as a new African Record, four Olympic and two Paralympic qualification times were posted.

Sebastien Rousseau and Michael Meyer dominated the 400m individual medley with SA’s first two Olympic qualification times of the competition.

Rousseau’s time of 4:14.75 edged out Meyer’s 4:15.71, both dipping under the required 4:16.71, while Ayrton Sweeney won the bronze in 4:24.48.

In the tightly contested 400m freestyle, Myles Brown came from behind to scoop the gold with an Olympic qualification time of 3:48.86, just 0.07sec ahead of Egypt’s Marwan Elkamash in 3:48.93, both going under the set 3:50.40, with Brent Szurdoki winning the bronze in 3:52.34.

Cameron van der Burgh did not disappoint in the 100m breaststroke semi-finals.

Van der Burgh, who holds the Olympic gold in the event, raced ahead of the pack in an Olympic qualification time of 59.69, with Jarred Crous coming in a close second in 1:00.88, just under 0.31secs of the 1:00.57 requirement. The final of the event will be held tomorrow.

In the 100m butterfly semi-finals, Marne Erasmus, Vanessa Mohr and Jessica Ashley-Cooper took the top three positions for tomorrow night’s final in 1:00.16, 1:00.71 and 1:01.11 respectively, while the gold in the 400m individual medley final went to Marlies Ross in 4:50.26, the silver to Kirsty McLauchlan in 4:53.98 and the bronze to youngster Rebecca Meder in 4:57.06.

A strong Paralympian contingent will be expected at the Rio Paralympic Games after an outstanding performance where two Qualifying times and an African Record were clocked tonight.

Kevin Paul (SM10) was first to race to a Paralympic qualification time in the 200m individual medley, winning the event in 2:15.78, to the required 2:17.20, with Johann van Heerden finishing second in 2:28.22 and Jean Pretorius third in 2:33.84.

Alani Ferreira (SM13) was next in the water, also in the 200m individual medley, clocking a new African Record and setting a Paralympic qualification time of 2:50.43, over two seconds under the 2:52.27 standard and taking just under eight seconds off Marike Naude’s 2011 record time of 2:58.10.

Shannon Martins won the silver in 3:26.95 and Michelle Bloem the bronze in 3:26.97.

In the S14 and S15 multi-disability 200m individual medley, Challis Wright claimed the gold in 2:25.46 ahead of Aaron Putz in 2:30.16 and Raymond de Freitas in 2:38.94, while on the ladies side, Christelle Kriel came first in 2:47.07, Michaela Kretzen was second in 3:04.87 and Cornelia Fowler third in 3:36.18.

In the B Finals, Christoff Ras was first in the 400m individual medley in 4:39.02, while Andrew Brown came in second with a time of 4:40.82 and Luke Erwee third in 4:42.67. In the 400m freestyle, Reynier Pretorius took the gold in 4:06.54 while the silver and bronze went to Dayne Wilson (4:06.92) and Erwee (4:09.50).

Marne Frylinck was first in the 400m individual medley B Final in 5:06.85, Hanim Abrahams took the silver in 5:07.03 and Robyn Kinghorn the bronze in 5:11.36.

The day 02 heats will start at 10h00 while the finals will begin at 18h30 daily.

Olympic Qualifying Times following Day 01:

Sebastien Rousseau – 400m individual medley – 4:14.75
Michael Meyer – 400m individual medley – 4:15.71
Myles Brown – 400m freestyle – 3:48.86
Cameron van der Burgh – 100m breaststroke (SF) – 59.69

Paralympic Qualifying Times following Day 01:

Kevin Paul (SM10) – 200m individual medley – 2:15.78
Alani Ferreira (SM13) – 200m individual medley – 2:50.43

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