The Namibia Aquatic Sports Federation (NASFED) announced the selection of a talented group of swimmers to represent the nation at the South Africa National Open Water Championships. 

The competition will take place at the picturesque Marina Martinique in Jeffery’s Bay from 7 to 9 March, bringing together some of the best open-water swimmers from the region. This will be a major event, with swimmers from all over Southern Africa vying for honours in a variety of challenging events.

The Namibian team, made up of Madison Bergh, Lorenzo Esterhuizen, James Langford, Tristan Nell, Carissa Steyn, and Lara Steyn, has qualified through their hard work showcasing their skills in the demanding discipline of open water swimming. 

The team will be accompanied by coach Jorn Diekmann and team manager and NASFED president, Riaan Steyn will accompany them as well as Carol-Ann Esterhuizen.

Steyn said the event is a junior and senior age group championship and the Namibian swimmers are in the age range of 15 to 18 and will take part in various events, ranging from 1, 5 km, 3 km and 5km. “There will also be a 3km knockout sprint section. It’s an honour for Namibia to participate, as it is the crème of the crop of South African provinces and taking part is important in the sense that Namibians will be swimming against top swimmers in Africa.

“South Africa has good competition in the open water and in the pool. The significance is the experience and techniques by participating, swimmers can learn from each other and hopefully, we can record a better time. The level of competition is of world standard and that helps in terms of bettering time and performance,” he added.

-lmupetami@nepc.com.na