Masters swimmers brave the water and the cold

SWIMMING NEWS - Fish Eagles Masters Swimming hosted the Garden Route Regional Masters Short Course Championship gala at Glenwood House school on Saturday 28 October.

More than 30 swimmers of various age groups took part with the 82-year-old Judy Dixon, the oldest swimmer at the event, impressing with her zest for life and fitness. Like all the swimmers she braved the cold weather to participate.

The gala also drew swimmers from visiting clubs.

The times of the registered swimmers will go onto the national grid for ranking. Social swimmers' times were also logged, but not for ranking purposes.

"With these galas we are trying to encourage the social swimmers to become more competitive too and to continue practising their sport. It keeps us fit and healthy," said Cheryl Griffiths, chairperson of Fish Eagles, which is affiliated to South African Masters Swimming (Sams).

Lucky draws were held after the gala which included as main prize a two-night stay at Wilderness Hotel.

Fish Eagles members with the event sponsor, Gary Hepburn of John Dory's. From left are Hepburn, Erhardt Gerber, Cheryl Griffiths (chairperson), Mike McDonald, Lanie Farrelly, Judy Dixon, Elinor Durr and Jenny Sheehy.

On Sunday, the open water swim was held in the Touw River. Starting at the Fairy Knowe Hotel in Wilderness, 14 participants swam a 1km circular course and three

longer distance swimmers did extra laps to complete 3km.

Carryl van Basson, a visitor from Durban, won the 1km race. Michael Sempel from Sedgefield took the laurels in the 3km course and was rewarded with a two-night stay at De Denne Country Guest House in Oudtshoorn.

The swimming was concluded with a hearty breakfast at Fairy Knowe.

"We are indeed very fortunate to have the support of and access to so many fabulous venues to enjoy our swimming here in the Garden Route area," said Griffiths.

Fish Eagles draws swimmers from the area between Knysna and Mossel Bay and swimming events are held at various venues such as Lake Pleasant, Sedgefield Lagoon, Fairy Knowe and Island Lake, as well as in Mossel Bay.

"Our pool swims at Glenwood House give us the opportunity to mix with the u.15 water polo team, triathletes and lifesavers, and also offer people the opportunity to enjoy the experience of masters swimming on a fairly informal basis. The Planet Fitness and other school pools are becoming more inclusive, so it bodes well for the sport in George," said Griffiths.

The open water swim at Fairy Knowe on Sunday was done on a circular route of 1km and 3km.