Pretoria family triumphs at 52nd aQuellé Midmar Mile swimming race
The Albertyns family from Pretoria were at the helm of the 52nd aQuellé Midmar Mile swimming race on Saturday when they secured top honours in the family race.
The family of four dived into KwaZulu-Natal’s cold waters at Midmar Dam in the Midlands and competed in the world’s largest open swimming race.
Gary Albertyn finished the race in a speedy 19 minutes and 36 seconds, while his son, Connor, registered an 18-minute time; and daughter Kaitlyn crossed the line in 23 minutes and 37 seconds. Mom, Megan, followed a minute later, finishing in 24:01.
“I am very happy. I did push the first part quite a bit and then backed off a bit at the end to rest up. I was expecting a 19-minute time. So, to get out and see an 18-low is just helping me with a bit of confidence for tomorrow,” said Connor.
Gary will be racing for the 200th time at the aQuellé Midmar Mile, which commenced on Thursday, while Connor was scheduled to vie for the men’s race title today.
Three-time Paralympian Alani Ferreira claimed her title as the first swimmer out the water in 21 minutes and 31 seconds.
The visually impaired athlete emerged as the fastest swimmer in her category for swimmers with a disability.
Ferreira’s highlight of the race was being guided across the dam by two-time Olympic gold medallist Sharon van Rouwendaal in the 10km marathon swim.
“It is surreal – how often can you say that the queen of open water is going to take you across Midmar Dam? So, it’s definitely something I will remember forever,” said Ferreira.
Paralympian Adri Visser returned for the 11th time after she took time off to complete her Masters degree.
Visser was accompanied by members of her canoe club whom she challenged to take part in the race.
“I started last year June to get back in the water after I finished my Masters degree – I am really happy to be back in active condition again. The water does not care how you look, or how you feel – it’s just about getting to the other side,” she said.
One of the most endearing moments of the day belonged to couple, Lawrence and Lynn Schroder, who finished the race together for the 46th year.
“This has been an absolutely special, special event for us. We have swum it together for the 46th year and it’s been wonderful,” said Lawrence.
Eighty-year-old Lynn said her husband has never left her behind during the race.
“He encourages me the whole way. I do lots of backstroke and he makes sure I don’t end up in Howick. He is just the best, best husband and swimming is so special to us,” she said.
The Star
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