The Pupkewitz/NASFED (Namibia Aquatics Sports Federation) Open Water Swimming team will be competing in the South African National Open Water Championships from 6 to 8 March at Marina Martinique in Jeffreys Bay, South Africa.
The eight-person team will compete in the 3km sprints and the 10km marathon swim.
The Namibian team includes Madison Bergh, Candice Rey, Carissa Steyn, Lara Steyn, Zafari Zeidler, Naan Jiao, Alex Marggraff, Tristan Nell and Riley Bergh. It will be accompanied by their head coach Jörn Diekmann, team manager Riaan Steyn and officials Marnie Bergh, David Nell and Wollen Nell.
The Pupkewitz Foundation has sponsored the team with N$70 000 to make the tour possible. Bernadette Freyer-Swartz, spokesperson of NASFED, said Pupkewitz’s commitment to Namibian swimming helps the athletes make waves on the global stage as they carry the nation’s pride and determination in each stroke. On Friday, the championships will feature 10km men’s and women’s races, 7.5km events and a 4x1000m mixed relay.
On Saturday, there will be 3km knockout sprints and 3km individual races. On Sunday, there will be 5km men’s and women’s races.
NASFED president and team manager Riaan Steyn has expressed confidence in the team.
He said they are ready to give it their all at the championship.
“The Namibia Aquatics open water team is ready to showcase resilience, discipline and competitive spirit at Marina Martinique.
This tour is not only about medals but also about building experience, unity and pride in representing our Federation,” Steyn stated.