Royal Swimmers reap the benefits of Grand Prix gala
Royal Swimming Academy (RSA) athletes Sergio Dos Santos, Luca Potgieter and Matthew Seabrook qualified to attend the Swimming South Africa (SSA) Grand Prix in Stellenbosch.
The SSA Grand Prix provides local high level competition to senior elite athletes. In South Africa, with its geographic isolation, top level athletes are not provided with enough access to tough international competition. As part of SSA's long-term participant development programme, the introduction of a South African Swimming Grand Prix addresses the scenario of more high-level competition for locally based athletes where international athletes can also compete.
RSA head coach Mimette Salter said she welcomed the opportunity for her swimmers to attend and to learn and benefit from the experience.
Results from the gala reflected the calibre of these young athletes who rose to the occasion. Sergio secured a Youth Nationals qualifying time in the 100m butterfly and two personal best times in 100m and 50m freestyle; Luca achieved three SA National Junior (SANJ) times and a special mention for his 200m freestyle; and Matthew swam two great personal best times and a fantastic SANJ time for his 200m breaststroke, to add to his other SANJ times.
The three also had an opportunity to meet swimming star Ayrton Sweeney after the event.