South African Swimmers Make a Splash at Africa Aquatics Open Water Championships in Kenya

The championships, which featured gruelling 5km and 3km races as well as a mixed 4000m 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 4000m freestyle relays. The South African 'A' relay team, featuring Kellan Jones, Caitlin Evans, Sienna Gous, and Roelof Bartleman, stormed to victory in the 17 & Under category. In the 18 & Over category, the South African 'C' team of Connor Albertyn, Amica de Jager, Luan Terblanche, and Callan 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 Sienna Gous, Girls 14-15 5km Champion. "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."

Roelof 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."

Senior champion Callan 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, Mr. 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.

ENDS

For further information, please contact:
Mafata Modutoane
mafata.modutoane@swimsa.org or 073 226 5688.

Swimming South Africa is the governing body of aquatics in South Africa.
Its objective is to encourage the practice of aquatic disciplines for all in South Africa with the purpose of promoting swimming as a life skill through Learn to Swim programmes; providing healthy exercise to South Africans of all ages and races; recruiting recreational swimmers to compete in the various competitions; and promoting competition and athlete development to the highest level. Swimming South Africa is kindly supported by Bombela Concession Company, SASCOC, National Lottery Commission, Arena, Dept. Sport Art & Culture.