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.
“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.
Meanwhile, another massive cheer went up on the banks of the dam as Mike Pengelly reached the finish of his 52nd Midmar Mile – so maintaining his record as the only swimmer to have completed every edition of the race since its inception.
One of the most endearing moments of the day belonged to Lawrence and Lynn Schroder who finished the race together for the 46th year.
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.
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.
World and Photo: Supplied