Under the guidance and mentorship of world record holder and Somerset West local Howard Warrington, 10- year-old Karli Fourie has made headlines after successfully completing the challenging Robben Island to Blouberg crossing last month – a record for the youngest person to achieve this feat.
Karli is a Grade 5 pupil at Van Riebeeckstrand Primary School in Melkbosstrand. In addition to her academic pursuits, she is also a talented athlete, participating in sports such as tennis, netball, hockey and swimming.
Karli’s love for swimming began at a young age when her parents took her for water safety lessons. As she grew older, her passion for the sport deepened, and she began training regularly. Inspired the veteran endurance swimmer who she saw on the front page of the local newspaper, Karli decided to take on the daunting challenge of the Robben Island crossing. She has already broken several records at school swim gala events.
“My mom asked me if I would like to do something like that, and my answer was no. That was until I saw two ladies coming out of the sea. I looked at Robben Island and thought to myself that the distance does not look too far.”
She trained for seven months, swam five to seven kilometres during the week, went to gym, and swam long distances in the sea with her dad and brother as part of her training.
When she first swam the crossing, she described the water being cold, strong currents, and kelp-filled waters. Karli persevered and successfully completed the swim. She has since completed two crossings.
Her mother, Anel, expressed immense pride in her daughter’s achievement, highlighting her mental and physical strength.
“I am really extremely proud of her,” Anel said. “I think only swimmers really understand what an amazing achievement this is. You need to be mentally and physically strong. For a child of her age to focus that long is challenging.”
Anel added that Karli trained hard and was very disciplined during exams, school holidays and the cold and stormy winter.
“She knew she wouldn’t get any recognition like a medal or certificate for this swim, but was driven by the fact that she is going to make a difference in children’s lives as she was also raising money for a charity.”
Karli shared her excitement about the experience. “When I got into the water it was cold, dark and there was a lot of kelp to start off, but I got into my rhythm and enjoyed swimming with oom Howard,” she said.
She has used her platform to raise funds for charity, advocating for children who have experienced abuse or neglect. So far she has raised R53 000.
“I really feel sorry for children that need to grow up without parents or are abused by their parents,” Karli said.
She said that she looks up to Olympic gold medalist Tatjana Smith, but also really admires Warrington.
Pulsed for a comment on Karli’s achievement, Warrington said: “Karli is an amazing child who has the ability to become an Olympic swimmer one day. She has phenomenal endurance ability and is very headstrong to have pulled this off. I’ve never experienced a swimmer with such a mindset of an absolute champion.”
Anel said they lived in Strand years ago and became very good friends with Warrington through training and running together many marathons and their first Comrades.
“Howard was amazing with Karli with all the guidance and mentorship he gave her. She felt safe with him in the water with her all the way. He carefully watched her eyes, her stroke everything from beginning to end under the water. He explained everything to her and made it fun for her. She was excited and very honoured to do it with him specifically. We are truly thankful to Howard, his family and team.”
As Karli continues to excel in her swimming career, she hopes to inspire young swimmers to follow their dreams and strive for greatness.
