South African swimmers make a splash at Africa Aquatics Open Water Championships in Kenya

Team South Africa delivered a powerful and medal-laden performance at the recent Africa Aquatics Junior & Senior Open Water Swimming Championships, held from October 21 to 23. The team showcased exceptional talent and depth across multiple age groups and events, securing numerous podium finishes and demonstrating the strength of South African open water swimming.

The championships, which featured grueling 5km and 3km races as well as a mixed 4 000m freestyle relay, saw South African athletes consistently competing at the highest level against strong continental competition.

The South African charge was led by several standout swimmers. Roelof Bartleman (16) claimed a superb silver medal in the highly competitive Boys 16-17 5km event and followed it up with a dominant gold medal in the first leg of the Boys 3km race. His consistent speed was on full display as he also placed in the top seven of the subsequent 3km segments.

In the Girls 14-15 category, Sienna Gous (15) and Caitlin Evans (15) secured a spectacular South African 1-2 finish in the 5km race, with Gous taking the gold. Both swimmers continued their strong form throughout the 3k event segments, proving their endurance and tactical prowess.

Senior swimmer Callan Lotter (19) was in a class of her own, capturing the gold medal in the Women’s 19 & Over 5km. She carried this winning form into the 3k segments, particularly excelling in the final 500m where she claimed another gold medal. Her teammate, Amica de Jager (26), secured the silver in the same 5km category, underscoring South African dominance in the senior women's field.

The team's cohesion was brilliantly displayed in the mixed 4 000m freestyle relays. The South African 'A' relay team, featuring Kellan Jones, Evans, Gous and Bartleman, stormed to victory in the 17 & Under category. In the 18 & Over category, the South African 'C' team of Connor Albertyn, De Jager, Luan Terblanche and Lotter were narrowly pipped to the gold medal, finishing a mere

0.01 seconds behind the Egyptian winners in a breathtaking race finish.

The athletes expressed pride in their performances and the unique challenge of open water swimming.

"It was an incredible experience racing here in Kenya," said Gous. "The 5km was tough but to get a 1-2 with Caitlin made it extra special. It shows all our hard work in training is paying off, and I'm really excited for the future."

Bartleman, reflecting on his 3km gold and 5km silver, added: "The competition was fierce, especially from the Egyptian swimmers. Winning the first leg of the 3km gave me a huge confidence boost. It’s not just about strength but also about strategy and I’m thrilled with how I managed my race."

Lotter commented on her victory, stating: "Winning the 5km and then having such a close, exciting relay race was the perfect way to end the competition. To be part of such a strong South African team, from the juniors right up to the seniors, is truly inspiring. We pushed each other to be better every day."

The President of Swimming South Africa, Alan Fritz, commended the entire team on their outstanding results.

"We are immensely proud of the performance of our swimmers at these African Championships. The results are a testament to the dedication of our athletes, coaches and support staff. To see our juniors and seniors performing with such skill and determination on a continental stage is fantastic for the sport in our country. This success in open water swimming, following our achievements in the pool, confirms that South African aquatics is on a strong upward trajectory. Well done to everyone involved."

The team's successful campaign in Kenya has firmly established South Africa as a leading nation in African open water swimming and provides a strong foundation for future international competitions.