Press / Media | Cadiz News
Cadiz Freedom Swim
03 May 2010
Open water swimming sensation Tyron Venter overcame icy water, a strong current and a big swell to win the extreme 7.5km Cadiz Freedom Swim from Robben Island to Blouberg, on Sunday, May 2.
Venter, 24, one of South Africa's top open water swimmers led the record field of almost 280 swimmers. Water temperatures ranged from 11 to 13 degrees. After reaching the beach, Venter came sprinting through the finish line, where he was met by Justice Minister Jeff Radebe. He took home first prize of R15 000.
Venter's winning time was 1hr48, well ahead of surprise second placed Phillip Chappel, 49in a time of 2:05. Third was Sarah Key, 18, in a time of 2:08 – the first woman
home. Second woman was Lisa Cowling, 16, followed by Rebecca Newson, 28.
A total of 326 swimmers started and 298 completed the arduous course which some described as one of the toughest races in its nine year history. The swim raises funds for disabled learners at Vista Nova School. Over R100 000 was raised.
Cadiz CEO, Ram Barkai, 52, who completed the race in 3hr19, described the swim as an overwhelming success but said it was a “tough and deceiving race".
“We started in a water temperature of 13 which dropped to about 11 which affected a lot of swimmers. Then there was a very strong current and big swell near the end in which some swimmers became nauseous and disorientated. So it was very tough."
Ultra Swimmer Theodore Yach, 52, who was sponsored by Marcus Rohrer Spirulina and who swam a time of 2:50 said afterwards: “If anyone doubted before that this was an extreme race, they don't now!"
Shark attack survivor Achmat Hassiem, 27, who lost a foot four years ago, finished 21st in a time of 2:40 said only “this race was really, really cold".
The Western Cape government and Marcus Rohrer Spirulina were part sponsors and Premier Helen Zille said her government was pleased “to be able to contribute to this high profile swimming race, which attracts top local and international swimmers and, which helps build the Western Cape's reputation as a major sporting destination."
