Despite the level of the Oanob Dam being low, the venue at Lake Oanob Resort proved to be an excellent choice for the 1. Namibia Swimming Mile which took place on November 20.
A total of 96 swimming and outdoor enthusiasts entered the inaugural race with the youngest competitors being 8 years old. Perfect weather and calm waters aided the success of this event. Although at this stage the onus of open water swimming in Namibia is on participation rather than competition spectators were treated to a great race.
Delie upstages seniors
After initially struggling to swim out of the crowds 13 year old Quinton Delie took the limelight and raced across the dam to victory in a remarkable time of 20.57 clocking in the fastest time overall and winning the gold medal in the boys 18/u category. Tristan McDonald who kept close to Quinton?s heels followed a close second place with Doorus Kleynhans in third place.
The first lady in and fourth overall was the petite Marike Meyer who showed great guts and determination when she posted a time of 21.15. She won the gold medal in the category girls 18/u with silver going to Monique Marais and the bronze medal to Janine van Zyl.
First out of the water in the men?s 18 & over section was Günther Streit in a time of 22.49, finishing 7th overall, with Andrew Rowles in second place and Henk Schoeman in third place.
5th overall winner Molly Fonner headed the pack in the ladies 18 & over category with Deborah Daniel in second place and Anita Kruger in third.
Brock wins Half Miler
In the half-mile event, the first to emerge out of the dam was Tuna Brock in a time of 13.06 winning the ladies section as well as 1/2 mile event with Gerhard Louw finishing second overall and winner of the men?s section.
Full credit for the fine organization of the mile must go to Emile van Zyl of the organizing body Namibia Swimming Union and James Clinning who ensured the success of this event which was sponsored by Bank Windhoek, Blue Olive, Lake Oanob Resort, Simonis Storm and Legal Shield.