Defending Champs Set Sights on Pan Pacific Championships

As Team South Africa’s swimmers begin their Commonwealth Games campaigns in Glasgow tomorrow, reigning aQuellé Midmar Mile champions Callan Lotter and Matthew Caldwell are putting the finishing touches to their preparations for another major international assignment.

The pair have been selected to represent South Africa at the Pan Pacific Championships in Irvine, California, from 12-15 August, marking another significant milestone in the careers of two of the country’s brightest distance swimming talents.

Lotter is looking forward to competing at the prestigious event for the first time.

“It will be my first Pan Pacific Championships and I’m extremely excited,” said Lotter. “It’s a huge opportunity to race against some of the best swimmers in the world and gain valuable international experience while representing South Africa.”

The 2026 aQuellé Midmar Mile champion believes the opportunity to compete in California will also provide valuable experience ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

“Being able to compete in California gives me experience with the travel, time zone, environment and overall international racing atmosphere, which will be valuable preparation for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.”

Lotter will contest the 10km open water race as well as the 400m, 800m and 1500m freestyle events in the pool.

Winner of this year’s men’s title at Midmar, Caldwell, meanwhile, is equally excited about making his Pan Pacific debut.

“It’s my first time competing at Pan Pacs. I am over the moon to be going there,” said Caldwell. “It’s a very big competition for me and just to be racing the top athletes is very, very cool. I can learn a lot from it.”

The Joburg swimmer also said the prospect of racing in the same region that will host the next Olympic Games adds further significance to the trip.

“It’ll be very good to be that side and just experiencing how everything works, so it’s not a big shock when two years come by.”

Caldwell will compete in the 200m, 400m, 800m and 1500m freestyle events.

Training through the chilly winter months has been tough, but both swimmers explained that having something to work towards makes all the difference.

“Training has been going really well,” said Lotter. “The winter months are definitely challenging, but we’ve stayed consistent and focused on the bigger picture.”

Caldwell echoed those sentiments, adding: “Once you’ve got a goal in mind, it just makes it a lot easier to be training through the cold mornings, cold afternoons.”

For aspiring swimmers hoping to follow in their footsteps, and those looking to simply enjoy a social swim, entries for the 2027 aQuellé Midmar Mile are already open. Swimmers eager to secure their place on the start line can take advantage of the discounted early-bird entry fee of R329, which will be available until 29 July 2026.

The world’s largest open water swimming event will once again bring together elite athletes, recreational swimmers and first-time participants at Midmar Dam from 11-14 February next year, offering swimmers of all ages and abilities the chance to be part of one of South Africa’s most celebrated sporting traditions.

“Midmar is always a major goal, so the build-up will involve a strong training block,” said Lotter, with Caldwell adding: “From December I’ll be building up until Midmar. I’m very excited to be racing there again.”

For online entries, head to: https://enter.midmarmile.com/