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Three-time Paralympian Alani Ferreira was once again the first swimmer out the water on 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.(Top image.)

“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.

Pictured below clockwise from top LHS:

Adri Visser and members of Centurion Canoe Club,
Lawrence and Lynn Schroder,
Terrell Matthews (L) and Olivier Mukaz,
Ubo Munian with Joanne Barnard and Michael Simpkins-Volpe and
Gary and Connor Albertyn.

Supplied.

MiTH – 12 February 2025

Venue: The Knoll Historic Guest Farm

Entrance: R50.00 (Cash or Zapper at the Door)

Info: 082 331 7271


7 PM – Herbart’s Symphonic Brass

Direct from Germany! Herbart’s Symphonic Brass, an advanced high school brass band from Herbartgymnasium Oldenburg, will captivate you with their blend of brass, woodwinds, and groovy rhythm. Featuring classics like Star Wars themes, Michael Jackson’s Thriller, Pharrell Williams’ Happy, and Coldplay hits – this is a musical journey not to be missed!

8 PM – Leigh & Gemma-Rose Goddard

Leigh Goddard is a songwriter across multiple genres of music from cinematic to hip hop. Leigh has had the privilege of being surrounded by some of SA's greatest songwriters and performers, and is passing on the passion as she is joined on vocals for the first time on stage, by her 14yr old daughter, Gemma-Rose for their first-ever performance together. A truly special moment!

9 PM – Erin Chalk & Matt Gardiner

Erin Chalk brings her Jazz-Pop flair with covers inspired by Ella Fitzgerald and Amy Winehouse, plus duets with her fiancé, Matt Gardiner. Matt Gardiner, a chart-topping pop musician from Pietermaritzburg, will showcase his hits like Hometown Drama and Satellites alongside drummer Jav Govender.


ABOUT MiTH:

KZN Midlands’ favourite music venue! MiTH is a platform for beginners, pros, and music lovers to celebrate the joy of music.

Every second Wednesday at The Knoll Historic Guest Farm, Hilton.

Food and soft drinks for sale. Cash bar available.

Visit www.mith.co.za for more info or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to perform.


DIRECTIONS TO MiTH:

Take the N3 to Hilton. Turn into Hilton Village and drive 5.2km along Hilton Avenue, which becomes Dennis Shepstone Drive. Look for Knoll Drive on your right; the entrance to MiTH is the second left into The Knoll Historic Guest Farm.

'There was great excitement as the Laddsworth boys and girls hit the crease with their opening matches of the 2025 Cricket season.' announced Laddsworth as their sporting fixtures began.

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More about Laddsworth Primary School, Winstead Road , Hilton.

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When Joanne Barnard (Top) embarked on swimming the aQuellé Midmar Mile for a good cause 12 years ago she set herself the target of raising R1 million for cancer charity CHOC.

The incredible amount of R217,000 she managed to add this year as the event’s top fundraiser has seen her surpassing that mark in 2025 and setting her sights on the next target.

Barnard was one of almost 300 swimmers who took in the 8 and 16-Mile Charity Challenge at Midmar Dam on Thursday and Friday, ahead of the main races which take place this weekend.

“It's just the difference that it's making in these children's lives, it's an emotional thing I must say,” explained the Cape Town swimmer. “I get to do the fun part, I get to swim and I get to be in the water… it is just such a blessing.

“If we can make a difference by getting in there, raising the money, it's such a pleasure and honour to be part of it. Really, it goes so deep, it’s wonderful.”

As for the next challenge, 55-year-old Barnard added: “Now that I've got to a million I said to my husband: ‘OK, before 60 we have to get to two [million].’”

There were also some familiar faces on the banks of Midmar Dam on Saturday with four-time Olympic medallist Chad le Clos completing a mile in support of those swimming the eight to raise funds for the Chad le Clos Foundation.

“I haven't done Midmar in about a decade,” he said. “So for me, personally, it's just been amazing to be here with the foundation. I actually swam with six of my, teammates I could call them for today, and it was amazing that we crossed the line together and it’s just been a privilege to be here,” added Le Clos, who committed himself to taking part in the 8-Mile Challenge in 2026.

Among those completing this year’s 8-Mile Challenge were fellow Olympic medallist Terence Parkin and aQuellé Midmar Mile race director Wayne Riddin, who was swimming in memory of his brother, his best friend, and several other Midmar stalwarts who have recently passed away.

Riddin described the experience as truly special, with Parkin accompanying him on all eight crossings of the dam. Parkin and double amputee Chad Gifford were the ones to challenge Riddin to the 8-Mile swim.
Speaking after he finished, Gifford explained: “Wayne said to Terence and I: ‘You’re getting too lazy, you must do the 8-Mile again.’ So I said to Wayne: ‘If we have to do it then you must come and do it with us.’ So that's how the deal was brokered.”

Gifford was accompanied on his final swim by two-time Olympic gold medallist and 2023 aQuellé Midmar Mile champion Sharon van Rouwendaal from the Netherlands, who will compete in the 31-40 category on Sunday.

Meanwhile, it was a family affair for former Midmar Mile champion Linda Adam who completed the 8-Mile Challenge with her daughters Julia Anderson and Angela Lawrence and friend Amanda Heinzelmann in aid of Pink Drive.

“The water's really nice and warm, and the conditions were great,” said Adam afterwards. “And Wayne [Riddin] did it this time as well so we chirped each other each end, it was such fun,” added the Kokstad swimmer who won the Midmar title in the same year as Riddin – 1976.

There were plenty of celebrations for Catherine Bassage and Sheralee Jollife who completed their 10th 8-Mile Challenge, also for Pink Drive.

“It’s been the most awesome thing, we've had flat water, no hot sun, and I've swum with all different friends the whole way through. It's been pretty cool,” said Bassage afterwards.

Adding what has kept her coming back to Midmar for the past 37 years, Jolliffe reckoned: “The camaraderie, the friendships that have been built over the years.”

A total of 12 swimmers completed the gruelling 16-Mile Challenge in support of Happy Bundles, with Reino von Wielligh proving to be the fastest of them, finishing his races in an impressive combined time of five hours 54 minutes and 43 seconds over the two days.

“At the end of the day, the second day is always tough whether you're doing eight miles or 16, but I think that's where you realise why you do it is on the second day. It's for your chosen charity and making sure they get the exposure that they need as well as the funds we can raise for them,” said Von Wielligh, who will now set his sights on victory in the 31-40 age category as well as a top-10 spot in the men’s elite race on Sunday.

Swimming action continues at Midmar Dam, with the race for swimmers with a disability kicking things off on Saturday morning. Those still hoping to participate in the aQuellé Midmar Mile can enter at the dam on the day as online entries are closed. Swimmers are encouraged to arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Pictured below clockwise from top RHS

Linda Adam, Julia Anderson, Angela Lawrence and Amanda Heinzelmann,

Chad le Clos and Reino von Wielligh,

Sharon van Rouwendaal and Chad Gifford,

aQuelle Midmar Mile Charity Challenge 2025,

and Catherine Bassage and Sheralee Jollife.

Supplied.

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Two young swimmers, 18-year-old Callan Lotter and 20-year-old Connor Albertyn, will lead the South African challenge at this weekend’s aQuellé Midmar Mile, heading into the race as the top-seeded local swimmers.

Albertyn finished as the first South African in last year’s men’s race, second behind Australian Nick Sloman. And while Lotter’s best result at Midmar was an eighth place in 2023, the Pretoria-based swimmer has had a great build-up to this year’s race, dominating the seeding swims in which she has competed.

While a strong contingent of South African swimmers will line up on the starting pontoon on Sunday, the duo are likely to also receive a stiff challenge from New Zealand’s 5km open water champions – Ruby Heath and Louis Clark, who earned their tickets to the aQuellé Midmar Mile by winning their respective national titles.

Both men’s and women’s races remain wide open, however, with both defending champions (Sloman and Tory Earle) choosing not to compete this year.

“My training and preparation for Midmar is going well,” explained Lotter. “My results have given me enough confidence needed heading into the race.”

The speedy teen admitted a win at the famous KwaZulu-Natal dam would mean the world to her.

“I race every race to win and to do my best in the race,” she said. “A win at Midmar will make me very proud of myself. I think it is one of the most prestigious races of the open waters and winning it will mean a lot to me.”

The elite women’s field includes two former champions in Stephanie Houtman (2022) and Michelle Weber (2016 and 2021) with 2023 champion – two-time Olympic gold medallist Sharon van Rouwendaal – choosing to swim in the women’s 31-40 age category.

Like Lotter, Albertyn has enjoyed a solid build-up to this year’s race, winning several of the seeding swims.

“It is going to be a good race with a strong field in both the men’s and women’s races,” he said. “I am definitely aiming for the win but with so many strong contenders, it is going to be a close race and possibly one of the most exciting races ever.

“In 2018, I won the 13 and under race and I think it is everyone’s dream to win the elite event too. It would also mean following in the steps of Midmar legends such as Chad Ho, Troyden Prinsloo and Myles Brown who won the junior race… and eventually ended up as Olympians,” added Albertyn, who completed his first aQuellé Midmar Mile at the age of seven.

The Pretoria swimmer pointed to his training partners, Ruan Breytenbach, Henré Louw and Sven van der Linde as his toughest rivals along with the likes of Matthew Caldwell and Ross Paterson.

“The addition of international swimmers such as Louis Clark make the race even more exciting as he is a bit of an unknown factor. Midmar is always a race with a twist and there are many talented, up-and-coming SA open water swimmers who have the potential to surprise us all,” he added.

Both the men’s and women’s elite races take place on Sunday, 9 February to wrap up the aQuellé Midmar Mile weekend.

Those still hoping to participate in the event can enter at the dam on the day as online entries are now closed. Swimmers are encouraged to arrive early to avoid disappointment. For more information, head to www.midmarmile.com.

Twelve-time surf ski world champion and cancer warrior Oscar Chalupsky will be taking on this weekend’s aQuellé Midmar Mile alongside his 87-year-old father, Paul.

Chalupsky, diagnosed with bone marrow cancer in 2019 and initially given six months to live, is defying the odds and inspiring others with his participation in the iconic open-water swim.

"I'm doing well health-wise," said Chalupsky. "I'm on a new weekly treatment regime and training is going well."

“Though I’m down on power, I’m still pushing myself every day to keep training and stay strong.

“Here’s my simple formula: keep training, eat well, manage stress, and stay positive. That’s the key to achieving your goals.”

Chalupsky, who participated in the aQuellé Midmar Mile several times in his youth, easily convinced his father to join him. "It didn’t take too much to convince my dad," he explained. "He is always up for a challenge." At 87 years of age, Chalupsky Sr will be the oldest participant in the race.

This year's swim carries a special significance for Chalupsky Jr, who hopes to send a powerful message to those facing their own struggles. "You can achieve any goal once you have set your mind on it," he reckoned. "And never give up – ‘No Retreat, No Surrender’,” he added, a reference to his 2022 book title.

Chalupsky's impressive paddling career includes claiming 12 Open Ocean Surf Ski Championships victories, representing South Africa at the 1992 Olympic Games, and winning both the junior and senior Iron Man titles on the same day at the SA Surf Lifesaving Championships when he was just 15.

His octogenarian father has an impressive CV of his own, including winning the 50-Miler canoe race an incredible 15 times along with other local and international events.

Having attended the Midmar Mile last year to promote his book, Chalupsky understands the event's unique appeal. "It has been going on for so many years, and it’s the biggest open water swim in the world," he pointed out.

The 61-year-old’s philosophy on life and the mindset he’ll be taking into this weekend’s race is summed up well on his corporate speaking website: "Life is not for the lethargic, or at least not if you want to relish it to the fullest. Get out there, keep moving, and keep doing positive stuff. If you do that, you will, in the words of Bob Dylan, ‘stay forever young.’”

Those still wishing to enter the 2025 aQuellé Midmar Mile, which takes place from 6-9 February, can do so at the dam on the day as online entries are now closed. Swimmers are encouraged to arrive early to avoid disappointment.

For more information, head to: www.midmarmile.com.

Supplied.

Known for dominating swimming pools and standing atop Olympic podiums, Chad le Clos is trading his goggles for a spot on the shores of Midmar Dam this February, as he rallies behind a cause close to his heart.

Although he’s completed the world’s largest open water event several times in the past, the four-time Olympic medallist won’t be participating in this year’s aQuellé Midmar Mile but is rather headed to the dam to support those swimming for the Chad le Clos Foundation.

Every year, the aQuellé Midmar Mile raises millions of rands for good causes and the Chad le Clos Foundation is recognised as one of the official charities of the event.

Launched in 2018, the foundation aims to create safe environments for all South Africans to enjoy the country’s magnificent waterways, with the swimming survival skills and water safety education necessary to help develop safe behaviours and attitudes around water. It is a well-known fact that South Africa has exceptionally high drowning statistics. The foundation’s aim is to reduce that number and keep children and communities safe.

20 swimmers will take part in the 8-Mile Charity Challenge from 6-7 February, completing eight crossings of the dam over the two days to raise money for the Chad le Clos Foundation before 20 of the development swimmers who benefit from the foundation take on the one-mile event on the race weekend from 8-9 February.

“I’m super, super excited about the Midmar Mile coming up,” said Le Clos. “We’ve been prepping for a long time with the Chad le Clos Foundation so a big shout-out to my team,” he added.

The 32-year-old Is taking a break from swimming for the next few months before turning his attention to the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore later this year.

“Unfortunately I’m not going to participate this year because I’m taking a break, but we’re going to be there every day so it’s going to be super-exciting. Shout-out to [Race Director] Wayne Riddin for all the hard work that he’s put in. It’s going to be a great weekend for me and the family so I’m very excited.”

Those still hoping to enter the aQuellé Midmar Mile, which takes place from 6-9 February, can do so at the dam on the day as online entries are now closed. Swimmers are advised to arrive early to avoid disappointment.

For more information, head to www.midmarmile.com.

PHOTO CREDITS: World Aquatics

Supplied.

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Up to 90km of training a week is what’s going into Carli Antonopoulos’s final preparations ahead of the aQuellé Midmar Mile which takes place in less than two weeks.

The 23-year-old finished second in last year’s race and while the swimmer who beat her to the title in 2024 – Tory Earle – will not be back to defend her title, Antonopoulos knows she will be provided a stiff challenge from the rest of this year’s elite women’s field.

Among them is two-time Olympic champion in the 10km marathon swim, Sharon van Rouwendaal from the Netherlands, who may have stopped training since topping the podium in Paris in August last year, but remains a massive threat.

Nevertheless, Antonopoulos remains confident in her preparation.

“My training and prep for Midmar has been going well,” she reckoned. “I’m back training with my squad in Pretoria after taking a short break and visiting my family in Cape Town.

“We have been putting in some good mileage, reaching up to 90km per week so hopefully the hard work will show at Midmar this year,” she added.

“I don’t really think much about the fact that I came second last year because this year is a new year with a bigger group of extremely talented girls so anything can happen on the day, but I feel confident with the work that we have done in the pool.”

Antonopoulos admitted that some of her main challengers could be her own teammates.

“I think this year the top five positions are going to be tough. Although Tory won’t be joining us this year, the TUKS distance group is bringing a strong group of girls and guys.

“I think my main competition this year will be Sharon van Rouwendaal, Stephanie Houtman, Callan Lotter and Catherine Van Rensburg,” she said.

“Sharon is an amazing swimmer and whether she’s been training or not, I still think she’ll give us a good go in the swim. She has done a lot of the Oceanman swims so she definitely still has loads of endurance and speed.”

While winning this year’s title would mean the world to her, the aQuellé Midmar Mile weekend is always about much more than just the competitive side for Antonopoulos.

“Midmar is such a fun event where it brings together so many friends and family,” she explained.

“My parents live in Cape Town and I’m currently swimming and studying in Pretoria so it’s always nice to just spend the weekend with my family. I get to watch my dad swim and he gets to watch me swim so it’s really nice to have the family support.”

Those still hoping to enter the aQuellé Midmar Mile, which takes place from 6-9 February, can do so at the dam on the day as online entries are now closed. Swimmers are advised to arrive early to avoid disappointment.

PHOTO CREDIT: Action Photo SA

Supplied.