Teon Kleynhans and Wesley van Wyk, learners at Parel Vallei High School, participated in the 2021 South African Open Water Championships in Jeffreys Bay last weekend.
Both swimmers donned the colours of the Western Cape at the championships, which was held from Friday 19 to Sunday 21 March.
Teon, a Grade 11 learner, says his happy place has always been in the water.
“Through many prayers, long hours of practising and, of course, a wonderful coach (Hendri Mouton), my dream of participating on a national stage has come true,” he says.
Since December last year, Teon has participated in a number of qualifying competitions, performing well in the following meets:. Lomond Open Water 3 km – 13 December: achieves second place in the men’s under-16 to under-19 age group;. Western Cape Aquatics and Swimming SA competition at Lorraine Dam in Elgin (3 km) – 21 February: achieves fourth place in category for men aged 16 and older; and . Bridgehouse Mile: achieves sixth place for men under-16 to under-19.
As part of the Western Cape team, Teon will also participate in the South African Level 3 Championships in Oudtshoorn. He said: “My goal is to swim longer distances in the future and hopefully reach even great heights.”
For Wesley, a Grade 9 learner, swimming is not only an enjoyable sport, but also gives him the opportunity to meet new people and travel to other parts of the country.
He too will participate in SA Level 3 Championships in Oudtshoorn, where he will be in action in the 200 m individual medley, 100 m freestyle, 200 m freestyle, 400 m freestyle, 50 m freestyle, 100 m butterfly, 200 m backstroke and 50 m butterfly.
Wesley, who recently placed fifth in his age group at the provincial Lorraine Dam event, hopes to be selected for the SA Junior National Swimming Championships before the age of 15.
