The nation’s swimmers dived into the first major competition of the new year in Mpumalanga on Friday as the opening Grand Prix Invitational meet got under way at the Nelspruit Swimming Pool.
Luca Holtzhausen (below) and 15-year-old Jessica Thompson (top) proved the pick of the pack on the opening day, claiming three titles each.
Holtzhausen, who was part of the silver medal-winning medley relay team at last year’s World Junior Championships, powered to victory in the 50m freestyle in 24.80 seconds, the 50m breaststroke in 30.71 and the 200m freestyle in a time of 1:57.56.
Thompson, who took bronze as part of the mixed medley relay team at the same World Junior Championships, was equally impressive in claiming victories in the 50m freestyle in 27.19 seconds, the 50m butterfly in 28.09 and the 50m backstroke in 30.86.
Also showing some solid early form was Olympian Rebecca Meder who recently returned from a promising performance at the World Short Course Championships in Melbourne where she reached the 100m individual medley final.
The 20-year-old from Durban claimed victory in the 50m breaststroke in 34.27 (exactly two seconds clear of her nearest challenger) and in the 200m freestyle in 2:05.07 – this time by over four seconds.
“Training has been really good and also tough but I love training hard,” said Meder. “Coming off a break after getting back from Australia it’s always tough getting back in the pool and training hard but I am so refocused and ready for 2023.”
Meanwhile Chris Luus claimed the 50m backstroke title in a time of 28.50 while Jarden Eaton, who was also a World Junior Championships relay silver medallist, took the win in the 50m butterfly in 25.90.
“My aim coming into the competition was just to race my heart out,” said Eaton. I was hoping for PBs but they haven’t come my way yet… I guess that’s part of the journey and I hope to do well at Nationals coming up this year.”
Several swimmers from neighbouring countries have made use of the opportunity to take part in both a training camp and then the top-class competition in Mpumalanga, including the likes of Botswana’s Melodi Saleshando.
“My experience at the training camp was really good because I met new people and made new friends and I also learnt new things in terms of swimming,” said Saleshando.
“Also, the gala has gone very well because I have been doing way better and improving my times.”
Swimming continues in Mbombela on Saturday, while the second and final Grand Prix of the series will take place in Durban in March.
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