Wasim happy with Midmar Mile dash
THE 14-30 age group dash was the main event at the Midmar Mile, and Sunday’s race drew approximately 3 000 entrants, including seven-time winner Chad Ho and other top local and international swimmers.
Wasim Ramatulla, 14, of Phoenix, pictured, was also in the mix.
While Wasim could not keep pace with the eventual winner, Matthew Meyer, and secondplaced Ho, the Woodview Aquatics Club swimmer finished in 66th position overall, and left the race with a lot of confidence.
“I think I can challenge for a podium finish in a few years’ time,” Wasim suggested.
He clocked a time of 23.41 minutes, which was more than five minutes slower than 19-year-old Meyer’s winning effort of 18.13 minutes.
Wasim said the choppy water conditions were not conducive to good times, but he was happy with his effort.
Due to the congestion at the start, Wasim said he swam hard in the beginning to pull away from the others, and keep in touch with the main contenders.
Meyer and Ho were in a group of three swimmers that led the way, with a pack of about 30 others in hot pursuit.
Wasim trailed the main group for much of the 1 600m journey to the finish line.
The Northmead Secondary pupil will now adjust his focus to the SA Open Water Championships, in Port Elizabeth, later this month.
He gained entry to that event on the back of his third place finish in the recent Capital K swim at the Midmar Dam.
Xavier Beukes and Joelle Singh will also fly Woodview’s colours at the SA Open Water Championships because of their respective efforts at the Capital K.