This year’s event broke all previous attendance records, with more than 2 600 athletes participating in the seven sporting events. In 2004 the inaugural swim attracted 13 brave souls who took on the challenge of swimming across the bay from Robberg Corner to Central Beach. Seven years on and the field has grown to 200 participants, with safety measures introduced by premier Knysna based events company, Magnetic South ensuring that every possible eventuality had been considered.
The Discovery Medicopter operated by ER24 and staffed by the NSRI Plett volunteers acted as an eye in the sky, as well as a highly skilled kayaking team, sub-contracted from local canoe clubs, made it possible to notice the arrival of a number of great white sharks measuring up to three metres, in the vicinity of the swim route.
It took a number of air reconnaissance flights and the introduction of two shark pods to eventually persuade these majestic and rather terrifying creatures to move off an hour after the scheduled start of the swimming event.
"It was certainly dramatic to have this build-up to the start of such a challenge and considering that over half the field comprised of swimmers who had not done this particular event before, it was amazing to see the determination in everyone to take part irrespective of the fact that their adrenaline levels had been given a supercharge. I have absolute respect for all who have this intense drive and passion to accomplish such a feat," said Chris Crewdson of Magnetic South.
The 6km Ocean Swim men’s division was won by Olympian Chad Ho in 01.00.11. Natalie du Toit took the women’s title in 01.00.35.
The 10km Run, 15km Surfski, Beach Walk and Kids Of Steel all attracted huge crowds on the first day, with Central Beach a sea of pink on a beautiful, sunny day.
Conditions on Day Two were very different with rain and a change of scenery from beach to the lush Cape Nature Reserve on the Keurbooms River for the one mile river swim. Natalie du Toit and Chad Ho once again walked away with the medals. Disabled athlete John Marriner stole the show - while he was the last to leave the water he had only the use of his arms to conquer this amazing challenge. He was a true tribute to what the Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge event is all about - to assist children with special needs.
The 25 MTB event was won by Hannes Botha with Maritje Vreeken winning the women’s title. World Surf Ski ladies champion, Michèle Eray once again proved herself to be the best female surfski kayaker in the world with her win.
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Chad Ho in action during the 2010 Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge’s 6km Ocean Swim
At the Sabrina Love Challenge 2010 Natalie du Toit, Chad Ho and Michèle Eray once again proved why they are world-class athletes.
