Karli Fourie, a fifthgrade learner from South Africa, has become the youngest swimmer to conquer the Robben Island crossing, completing the 7.4km swim in just three hours and four minutes. She used her recordbreaking swim to raise money for Home From Home, a charity supporting foster children. Despite her young age, Karli’s determination and courage have drawn attention to her as a budding talent and philanthropist.
Tatjana Smith, a South African swimmer, won silver and gold medals at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics while setting a world record in the 200m breaststroke. She aims to achieve a golden double at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Pieter Coetze, another South African swimmer, is preparing for the men’s 100m backstroke finals, while sprinter Akani Simbine seeks redemption in the men’s 100m event after narrowly missing a medal in Tokyo. These athletes represent sporting excellence and national pride for South Africa.
A team of 13 South African swimmers is heading to the World Aquatics Championships in Doha, including veteran Chad Le Clos and emerging talents Lara van Niekerk and Pieter Coetzé. The championship is the last significant global competition before the Olympic Games and the South African squad is determined to make an impression on the worldwide stage. Van Niekerk and Coetzé are among the younger swimmers focusing on exceeding their personal best times and preparing for the Paris Olympics later this year.
Tatjana Schoenmaker, a wellknown South African swimmer, recently won a silver medal at the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan. Competing in the 100m breaststroke race, Schoenmaker fought her way to the podium after falling behind early in the race.
Herman van der Westhuizen, a businessman from Stellenbosch, recently accomplished the Oceans Seven swim challenge, becoming the second South African and the 24th person worldwide to achieve this extraordinary feat. He began his 13yearlong journey by swimming across the English Channel in 2012.
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 17yearold 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.
