Midmar Mile champions Lotter and Caldwell target national open water glory in Jeffreys Bay

South Africa’s leading marathon swimmers will converge on Marina Martinique in Jeffreys Bay this wseekend for the Bombela Concession Company SA National Open Water Championships, where national titles and junior international qualification opportunities will be on the line. South Africa’s leading marathon swimmers will descend on Marina Martiniquein Jeffreys Bay this weekend with national titles and international qualification opportunities up for grabs at the Bombela Concession Company SANational Open Water Championships. The three-day competition, which runs from Friday to Sunday, will see the country’s top open- water specialistsbattle across several distances, with the women’s field headlined by reigning champion and recent Midmar Mile winner Callan Lotter.

The Pretoria-based swimmer arrives in confident mood after sweeping the 1.5km, 5km, 10km and 3km knockout titles at last year’s championships, but the soon-to-be 20-year-old insists past success counts for little once the racing begins. “My training has been going well and I’ve done the mileage needed for the racing,” said Lotter, who will take pasrt in the 10km, 5km and 3km knockout events. “Last year proved I can do it, but this year is a new race and I have to earn it again.

I take more confidence from the work I’ve done than from the title itself.” Among those on the start line this weekend will be defending champion in the 1.5km, 5km, 10km and 3km knockout and recent winner of the aQuellé Midmar Mile, Callan Lotter, who heads in as strong favourite. Lotter has also credited new coach Troy Prinsloo for helping reignite her passion for the sport. “Being in a positive environment where there’s belief, structure and support allows you to push yourself properly and improve,” she said.

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While endurance is essential, Lotter believes open-water racing demands far more than just stamina. “It takes patience, tactical awareness and mental resilience. You have to be comfortable being uncomfortable.” Among those hoping to challenge her will be Western Cape swimmer Hannah Neilson, who finished third in both the 10km and 5km races last year.

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