DOUBLE Olympic champion Penny Heyns has withdrawn from South Africa’s swimming team for the Mare Nostrum series in Europe. Heyns has indicated that she wants to focus on training for the Sydney Olympics in September. With the unavailability of Heyns, Ryk Neethling, Brendon Dedekind and Roland Schoeman for the European meets, South Africa’s medal charge will be led by Durbanite Terence Parkin and Cape Town schoolgirl Sarah Poewe.
SA team for Mare Nostrum series:
Men: Terence Parkin, Theo Verster, Ryan Kelly, Raazik Nordien, Greg Owen, Nicholas Folker, Simon Thirsk.
Women: Sarah Poewe, Mandy Loots, Charlene Wittstock, Stacey Bowley, Helene Muller, Renate du Plessis, Julia Russell.