Caroline, Daniz triumph in Open Water Challenge

SIPHOCOSINI – Eswatini Air employee Caroline Koll and Milan Daniz are the champions of the ESA Luphohlo Open Water Challenge held yesterday.

The first 2024 Eswatini Swimming Association (ESA) long distance competition featured different age groups in the 1km and the 5km races, which were the major highlights of the day. Koll, who had no opponent in the ladies category, conquered the waves of the dam with ease, being the fastest among all the swimmers. It took her 1:27:34 hours to complete the race.

“It was absolutely a magnificent challenge which I really enjoyed in the beautiful waters. It was a matter of concentration and just keeping your arms moving forward to endure the waters,” Koll said.

TRAINED

She said she trained a bit in a pool during weekdays and then took 5km to 10km on weekends.

In the men’s category, Daniz was the champion, with a time record of 1:40:00 hours.

This race was a four-man race, where Simphiwe Dlamini came second. He clocked 1:47:54hrs.

“I’m used to the pool but I think it was a nice challenge, as like in the previous year, to swim against the current and waves. It was a taxing race but also good for my own growth,” Dlamini said.

The podium finishers received certificates and medals while the rest got participation certificates.

Recently, ESA received E560 000 funding from the Development of National Sports Systems (DNSS) through the Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (EOCGA), courtesy of the International Olympic Solidarity Fund.

The one-mile race had close to 30 swimmers under different age categories.

(More report in tomorrow’s publication)

(Pics: Nimrod Hlophe) The male category 5km Luphohlo Open Water Challenge winner Milan Daniz (R) receiving his excellence award from ESA Executive member Dorren Mdluli.

The female category winner Caroline Koll (L) being congratulated by Craig Gibson, who finished third in the male section.