One of the biggest events in the swimming calendar, the National Aquatic Championships, will be going down to the shores of East London in April.
Three of South Africa’s awesome foursome at the Athens Olympics, Roland Schoeman, Ryk Neethling and Darian Townsend, have already entered the competition and there will also be two international swimmers entering the competition.
One of them will be Britain’s Robin Francis, who will be performing in KwaZulu-Natal colours. The 23-year-old is a specialist in individual medley and holds the British record in the 200m individual medley in 2:01,06.
Francis competed at the Athens Olympics last year but did not make it to the finals.
Speaking to the Daily Dispatch, Neethling said he is looking forward to the competition.
”Honestly, my body is really tired. I have been swimming in many competitions. However, I’m going to go to East London to give my best,” Neethling said.
”I’m a professional and I will be expected to deliver the goods. Swimming is my job. I will be facing really tough competition from Roland and Darian and other top swimmers but I hope I will win some medals,” he continued.
Another swimmer to watch will be the ever-impressive Thabang Moeketsane, who has been tipped by many as a future superstar.
Other top swimmers include Gerhard Zandberg, Melissa Corfe and Mandy Loots.
The CEO of Swimming South Africa (SSA), Dave Norman, said: ”SSA is taking the event to East London in order to promote swimming around the country and improve swimming facilities in all provinces.
”East London has been the centre of attention in swimming and I feel it is the right time for them to get an event of this magnitude.”
Water polo and synchronised swimming will also feature but national diving will be held in Pretoria because, according to Norman, East London does not have facilities for diving. — Sapa