Swimmers score medals and trophies galore

Gallery

KNYSNA NEWS – Young swimmers from Knysna Aquatics Swimming Club, under the eye of coach Francois Boshoff, performed exceptionally well when they took part in the first-ever Cape Coastal Grand Prix Series, a winter competition made up of three individual galas.

The club boasts members from Knysna as well as from George and the Knysna Aquatics swimmers performed brilliantly. Despite being the smallest club competing, it won the most trophies during this Grand Prix Series.

The three galas were

PEA Winter Gala, Gqeberha, 25 to 27 June
Eden Aquatics Winter Sprints, Knysna,

19 to 20 June

Cape Town Aquatics Invitational Meet, Somerset West, 2 to 4 July

A special mention to:

Ula van der Merwe - victor ludorum - most Fina Points for boys 13 to 14.
Stefan Steyn - victor ludorum - most Fina Points for boys 15 to 16.
Kelsey Munro - victrix ludorum - most Fina Points for girls 17 and over.

The latest release of the National Long Course (LC) Rankings by Swimming South Africa in June emphasises the potential of Boshoff's young, talented squad.

The three proud trophy winners are, from left: Ula van der Merwe, Stefan Steyn and Kelsey Munro with coach Francois Boshoff.

The following swimmers are ranked Top Ten in SA in various age groups and strokes:

Male:

Llewelyn Viljoen - age group men 11 (George)
Luke Scott - age group men 13 (Knysna)
Ula van der Merwe - age group men 14 (Knysna)
Stefan Steyn - age group men 16 (George)
Alex Leiar - age group men 17 (Knysna)

Female:

Aimee Canny - age group women 18 (Knysna)
Amelia Manning - age group women 14 (Knysna)

Mentors

During the June/July holidays, Boshoff's swimming squad had the fantastic opportunity to train alongside Olympian Mariella Venter as well as Aimee Canny, Knysna Aquatics' own Olympian.

The squad was also privileged to attend a talk by Canny, Venter and Maddie Bauer,

a swimmer at the University of Michigan.

Canny and Venter fly to Birmingham (UK) at the end of July to represent South Africa at the Commonwealth Games. Knysna Aquatics wishes both these ladies safe travels and all the best for the incredible opportunity.

All these swimmers brought home medals. Front: Carli Marais. Middle, from left: Kelsey Munro, Colbyn Parr and Keanu Boshoff. Back: Ula van der Merwe, Stefan Steyn, Luke Scott, Luuk Pretorius and coach Francois Boshoff.