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Damien Angel: The Rising Star in Open Water Swimming

June 8, 2023

1 min read

Damien Angel, a young South African swimmer, is set to participate in the challenging 5km race of the upcoming Ardagh Glass Breathe Conservation World Oceans Day Swim, where he aims to make a name for himself in the world of open water swimming. Angel, a 17-year-old student at Clifton College, has been representing South Africa in Open Water swimming for the past two years, showcasing his talent and dedication to the sport.

Early Start to His Swimming Journey

Angel’s swimming journey started at a young age, and with his dedication and hard work, he has honed his skills to become a strong open water swimmer. His provincial and national colors are a testament to his achievements and commitment to the sport.

Recent Accomplishments

In recent competitions, Angel has emerged as a force to be reckoned with, winning the 1.6km Dolphin Mile Swim and finishing second in his age group in the 5km event at the National Open Water Championships held in Jeffery’s Bay in March. These accomplishments, coupled with his determination, make him a strong contender to watch.

Uncharted Waters

Despite his experience, Angel will be venturing into uncharted waters as he tackles the 5km race in the Durban ocean for the first time. However, the Pirates Surf Lifesaving Club member remains unfazed, drawing parallels between the Durban ocean conditions and those he faced in international races held in Angola earlier this year.

Ambitions

Angel’s ambitions are clear: “I am going to try and go for the win on Saturday. I’ve won a few races at Addington Beach in the past, so hopefully, I can get the win.”

Steady Progress

Angel’s steady progress as an open water swimmer is evident in his results at the national championships, having finished second in his age category this year. Additionally, he was the youngest competitor in the 10km event, finishing fifth overall—a notable achievement for the budding athlete.

Proficiency Beyond Open Water Swimming

Angel’s proficiency extends beyond open water swimming, as he has also earned national colors for surf lifesaving as a member of the Pirates Surf Lifesaving Club. In September, Angel will represent the South African team at the International Surf Rescue Challenge in America, where he is slated to compete in the surf swim and tube rescue events.

Poised to Make a Splash

Despite his foray into surf lifesaving, Angel remains steadfast in his pursuit of open water swimming excellence. With his eyes set on victory in the upcoming Ardagh Glass Packaging World Oceans Day Swim, this young swimmer is poised to make a splash and leave a lasting impression in the world of open water swimming.

For more information about Breathe Conservation and the Ardagh Glass Packaging World Oceans Day Swim, please visit breatheconservation.org and roag.org, respectively.

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