The South African team obtained an impressive 3rd place at the recent 13th African Games held in Ghana. Our country obtained an overall of 32 gold, 32 silver and 42 bronze medals. However, looking at the medal count, the swimming team really stood out, bringing home 17 gold, 16 silver and 13 bronze medals.
The key contributor during the competition was Catherine van Rensburg, a swimmer from UP’s very own watery depths. She won five individual medals, which was the most in the South African team. Talk about making a splash. Van Rensburg won a gold medal in the 400 m freestyle, 400 m individual medley, 800 m freestyle and 1500 m freestyle respectively, and a bronze in the 200m freestyle. Some of us cannot even run the said distances, and here she was swimming it with ease.
This display of athleticism from the South African team was impressive and inspiring. But even more amazing is having the privilege to share the grounds with a victor like Van Rensburg. We are extremely proud of her and have high hopes for her swimming career.
