Cadiz Freedom Swim Delayed Record

Olympic 10K swimmer Natalie du Toit broke a 22-year-old record at the 7.5K Cadiz Freedom Swim in South Africa this past weekend, despite very trying conditions.

Natalie won in 1 hour and 35 minutes, less than a minute in front of the men's winner, Tyron Venter.

After a postponement of the race on Saturday due to strong winds and adverse ocean conditions, the 275 solo and relay swimmer gathered again on Sunday only to face another delay of nearly 4 hours due to a heavy fog.

When the fog finally lifted, the swimmers jumped into the 13°C (55.4°F) waters - with possible Great White sharks - to traverse 7.5K from Robben Island* to the finish at Blouberg's Big Bay.



Typical to her thoughtful nature, Natalie said that although she was delighted to win, she felt privileged to have participated in an event which raised funds for the children of Vista Nova School.

Final results are as follows:


Solo Men:
1st Tyron Venter – 1:36:39
2nd Phillip Chappell – 1:45:45
3rd Anton Botha – 1:46:48
4th Robert Mason – 1:50:06

Solo Female:
1st Natalie du Toit – 1:35:45
2nd Liz Webb – 2:01:21
3rd Sanmari Woithe – 2:04:18
4th Lara Truter – 2:08:20

Schools Relay:
1st Paul Roos Gymnasium - 1:46:17
2nd Rhenish Starfishes - 1:46:43
3rd Camps Bay High Dolphins - 1:52:43

Relay Non-wetsuits
1st Fantastic Four - 1:39:12
2nd Team Turbo – 1:49:00
3rd Camps Bay High Dolphins - 1:52:43
Kevin’s Aquatic Tigers - 1:55:05

Relay Wetsuits
1st Koos Kwaak and the Waveriders - 1:38:45
2nd Barbie and Ken - 1:41:28
3rd Psycho Shenanigans - 1:45:28

Longest in the water:
Male: Clint Williams - 3:23:34
Female: Jobre Stassen – 3:07:25

Additionally, veteran swimmer Theodore Yach for successfully completing his 54th channel crossing.

* Robben Island is a World Heritage site where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years.


Photos above show Natalie and a male swimmer finishing at the 2008 event. Photos from the 2009 event will be uploaded to the Cadiz Freedom Swim website later this week.