Great season for Woodview

WOODVIEW Aquatics headed into the Kwazulu-natal Swimming Level 1 Championships quietly confident on the back of what has already been a successful season for the club.

While the vibrant energy in the camp suggested that they had a lot of potential, not even the most ardent of club supporters could have predicted just how well they would do.

Their group of 21 swimmers dazzled in the water, bringing home a total of 100 medals, 30 of which were gold.

Their medal haul helped them amass a tally of 1732 points to win the competition, pipping umlazi Sharks to the title.

“It’s an overwhelming feeling for us as a club to achieve this. It was made possible by our hard-working and dedicated swimmers. The support of parents has also been key to our success,” said club boss Jeeva Naidoo.

As the championships approached, Naidoo said the club had stepped up their training at the Stanmore Pool.

The club had previously managed a few top five finishes at the meet, but this time they genuinely believed they could challenge for honours.

“Our performance did not come as a surprise. We have a good crop of swimmers coming through at the moment and they have shown over the past few months that they can compete at this level,” said Naidoo.

“They put in hours of training, clocking almost 40km a week.”

Lincoln Reddy got Woodview off to a quick start by winning the 100m freestyle and setting a level 2 time in the process, along with fellow 10-yearold Seth Govender.

Spurred on by their captains, Caitlyn and Malcom Naidoo, Woodview brought the supporters to their feet during the exciting relay races. The team dominated the category by winning 10 gold medals and a silver.

“It was good to see our swimmers dig deep.

“They showed that they have the temperament to compete and give of their best,” Naidoo said.

“Credit must also go to our coach, Nizaam Ramatulla, who gave his all to prepare our swimmers for the competition,” he said.

The young swimmers will now enjoy a well-deserved break before the new season kicks off on May 1.

“We are getting ready to enter the winter period and it will be important for our swimmers to make it count,” said Naidoo.

“It is important for us to capitalise on the success of the past few months and keep pushing these youngsters.”