ELITE CONTENDERS
Swimmers to Watch
Ho Targets Eighth Midmar Crown
The first step in achieving that qualification for Tokyo
2020 will be finishing in the top two at the National
Championships in Jeffrey’s Bay in March. “It is every
professional athlete’s dream to compete at the highest
level of competition. To be able to say I have not only
been to one, not two, but three Olympics, would be an
indescribable feeling. This is what I spend every day
working towards, and knowing my efforts paid off in the
end will make it all worth it. Some days are really tough
and I am finished at the end of the day, but it is what is
required to compete at the level I am aiming for.”
K
waZulu-Natal swimmer Chad Ho will be
chasing an elusive eighth title when he takes
on a strong international field at the 2020
aQuellé Midmar Mile. The two-time Olympian last won
the race in 2016, when he also set the record for the
fastest time of 17 minutes flat, and he’s determined
to add title number eight to his impressive haul of
accolades, which includes the 5km Open Water World
Title. “Winning is always the main priority and I am
confident in my ability to win my eighth title,” says the
race’s most successful swimmer.
“However, It will come down to race day, and if it is my
day. I don’t think there are any secrets to success in
open water swimming. It is all about who performs on
the day, who is in the best condition, who has picked
the best line, and the water conditions during the race.
It’s anyone’s race, which is what I love about it.”
The 29-year-old goes on to say, “The international
swimmers definitely add a competitive edge, they
push you harder and it makes for great viewing for
the spectators. In saying that, it is also not something
I allow to cloud my focus. I can only control my
swim and how I do on the day, so I choose to remain
focused on that.”
However, first he’ll be looking for another Midmar
win. He has been lining up on the banks of the KZN
dam since the age of six, so the event is of particular
significance to him. “Midmar is an event where family,
co-workers and friends can come together and take
part in an event as a team, or even as support for any
individuals taking part,” he says. “For me, personally,
it is a family-orientated weekend. I don’t get to have
my family by my side at races very often, and this is
the one event that allows for that. I have been doing
Midmar since the age of six and it has always been a
significant event for myself and my family.”
Opportunity to Race
While the mile distance isn’t contested at the
Olympics, Ho explains that the aQuellé Midmar
Mile still forms an important part of his preparation
as he looks to qualify for his third Games later
this year. “Midmar allows me to assess my
current progress. It is not the distance I need to
qualify for, but it is an opportunity to race. Every
opportunity to push yourself before the Olympics
is a good one.”
Olympian Weber Targeting Midmar Glory
S
She’ll be returning for the 2020 edition, where she’ll
be gunning for more glory. “I love the Midmar Mile. I
was raised in Umhlanga, so we went up every year for
it. I think it’s just so special to me because my family
started out just going to open water events for fun. We
used to camp on the weekend and take a boat out,
and our canoes and stuff, and just enjoy the weekend
and then have a swim and braai. So it holds a very
dear place in my heart,” she says.
8
aQuellé Midmar Mile | Worlds Largest Open Water Swim
he’s one of the country’s top open water
swimming talents, targeting her second
Olympic Games, but for Michelle Weber, the
aQuellé Midmar Mile is all about the festive vibe. The
2016 champion has been competing in the event from
the age of 11, racking up a remarkable record along
the way. While she’s all focus and resolve when she’s
in the water, it’s what takes place before and after the
racing that brings her back each year.