Three-time Paralympian Alani Ferreira was once again the first swimmer out the water on Saturday, the first day of racing at the aQuellé Midmar Mile on Saturday.
The visually impaired swimmer emerged from the KwaZulu-Natal dam as the fastest swimmer in her category in the event for swimmers with a disability. While Ferreira was thrilled with her time of 21 minutes 31 seconds, what made it all the more special was being guided across the dam by two-time Olympic gold medallist in the 10km marathon swim, Sharon van Rouwendaal of the Netherlands.
“It’s 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 afterwards.
Van Rouwendaal won the elite women’s title at the aQuellé Midmar Mile in 2023 and has returned to conduct several coaching clinics in South Africa as well as competing in the age 31-40 category at Midmar on Sunday.
Another Paralympian, Adri Visser, returned to Midmar to finish her 11th race on Saturday, after taking time off to complete her Masters degree in therapeutic recreation. 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 Master’s degree so I’m really happy to be back in active condition again,” she said, then perfectly summing up why so many thousands keep returning to the event: “The water doesn’t care how you look, or how you feel – it’s just about getting to the other side.”
Getting to the other side was certainly the driving force for Ubo Munian, who crossed the finish line in just under three hours. That’s a time over half an hour quicker than last year for the swimmer with a rare form of motor neuron disease combined with muscular dystrophy.
“It was pleasant compared to last year, I must say,” said the beaming Munian afterwards.
“Big thumbs up to my wife who is honestly the inspiration in my life and to Joanne [Barnard] and Michael [Simpkins-Volpe] who swam with me today – they made it so pleasant and comfortable for me… These two amazing people stepped in to volunteer to help me and it was good.
“But this is not easy – it’s a tough one… Pending my situation health-wise and stuff, right now I am committing to next year,” he added.
Meanwhile, another massive cheer went up on the banks of the dam as Mike Pengelly reached the finish of his 52nd aQuellé Midmar Mile – so maintaining his record as the only swimmer to have completed every edition of the race since its inception.
“It was a special swim today. I appreciate my mate Tony Sinclair coming all the way from Cape Town to swim with me. He kept me in a nice straight line,” said the 78-year-old swimmer who also paid tribute to Midmar Mile founder Mike Arbuthnot who passed away in 2023.
“Buthie is the boy that started all this and he’s the bloke that inspires people like me to keep on going no matter what.”
One of the most endearing moments of the day belonged to Lawrence and Lynn Schroder who finished the race together for the 46th year.
“This has been an absolutely special, special event for us. We’ve swum it together for the 46th year and it’s been wonderful,” said Lawrence.
“He’s never left me behind even though he could well have,” added 80-year-old Lynn. “He encourages me the whole way. I do lots of backstroke and he makes sure I don’t end up in Howick! He’s just the best, best husband and swimming is so special to us.”
At the other end of the age spectrum, 17-year-olds Olivier Mukaz and Terrell Matthews emerged as the top development swimmers on the day, finishing in 22:35 and 23:12 respectively.
“I was happy – that was a pretty good swim…. My goggles got pretty foggy so I didn’t really know which way I was going but it worked out in the end I guess,” said Mukaz.
Matthews added: “It’s my first time swimming open water like this. I was feeling really good in the water. My goggles were also fogging up, but I had a great time swimming here.”
Later in the day, there were no surprises as the Albertyns from Pretoria once again secured top honours in the family race. Dad Gary, who finished in a speedy 19 minutes 36 on Saturday, will complete his 200th Midmar Mile on Sunday while son Connor, who finished in 18:27 will be one of the main contenders in the elite men’s race. Daughter Kaitlyn finished in a time of 23:37 with mom, Megan, crossing the line in 24:01.
“I’m very happy. I did push the first part quite a bit and then backed off a bit at the end to rest up,” said Connor. “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.”
Meanwhile, taking in all the action from the safety of the shore was one of Pietermaritzburg’s greatest sportsmen, Greg Minnaar. The four-time downhill mountain bike world champion was there to support his nephew and brother-in-law.
“It’s always nice to come down to the dam and watch the swimming… It’s always a good vibe,” he said.
As for the chances of him taking on the mile, Minnaar explained: “I tried to do a triathlon about 15 years ago. I felt like I was swimming pretty well at the time, but I struggled to do a 375m swim so I think a mile may be just too much for me.”
The now-retired mountain biker was quick to add that now that he has more time on his hands, he might just consider taking on the challenge.
Thousands more swimmers are expected to converge on Midmar Dam on Sunday for five more events including the elite men’s and women’s races.
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