Preamble: The SA Open has no divisions. Qualifying is on the level of SA Youth, however 14/15 year olds race with 24/28 year olds! Piranha Ambassadors from Aquatic Academy in Kempton Park recently competed at the South African Open Short Course Championships swum at the Seals Swim Centre in Pietermaritzburg. Kyle Mckenzie and Bernelee Doster swam with merit at this national open event competing with South Africa;s top swimmers in the Open Age Group. Kyle qualified for 2x A finals and 3x B Finals. Best swim overall was his 400m Individual Medley in a time of 4:32.03. 6th place. Bernelee (just 15 years) qualified for 2x B finals. She swam 1: 06:15 in the 100m backstroke event, and finished the
Swimming has two seasons. A short Course Winter season, and a Long Course summer season. A great team spirit pushed a proud team of Piranhas who raced to swim their best times. Piranha’s had several top age group performers at this 2019 event. Junior swimmers swam “Timed Finals”. This translates to top times in heats being converted to final positions. The 15 and over age group swam heats in the morning and finals in the afternoon. Points are scored by qualifying for final events. A hard weekend of racing. Kyle and Bernelee swam 20 race pace events in 2 days. This is taxing on an athlete’s body. The Aquatic Academy recognised these top performances, awarding trophies for top seniors and juni
At this event, local Aquatic Academy swimmers received awards at all levels of swimming. Six swimmers that compete with the League Club ESP Piranhas, were invited to the annual Eastern Awards Ceremony. This annual event celebrates achievements from the past season. Age group winners – Bernelee Doster and Kyle Mckenzie. Eastern Gauteng Records – Annebel Van Wyk (1) Bernelee Doster (3) Kyle Mckenzie (4) Eastern Gauteng Aquatic Championship records – Kyle Mckenzie (1) The past record for the 400 Individual Medley had stood for 25 years. Coach of Year – Aquatic Head Coach – Liz Humphrey. Top performers at Regional/ National Championships: · End of season Level 2 - Central Gauteng Aqua
