The World Aquatics Masters Championships have concluded, with South African swimmers and water wonders setting multiple world records, winning almost 20 gold medals, and placing on many other podiums!

Global (05 March 2024) — The 2024 World Aquatics Masters Championships saw an abundance of good news for South Africa thanks to an epic performance from the swimmers representing the Rainbow Nation in Doha. Together, these swimmers raked in 17 gold medals, 7 silver medals, and 17 bronze medals, while setting new local, competition, and world records!

Ingrid Trusler started off the victory path after she placed first in the 65-69 age group in water swimming before setting a South African and Masters Championship Record when she came first in the ladies’ 800m.

SA scooped a few bronze positions in various heats alongside a dazzling first place from Marc Allen in the Men 100m Freestyle in the 45-49 division. Tim Shead, who also set a competition record, earned gold in the 100m Breastroke (70-74 division).

Tim didn’t slow down there, and neither did Ingrid. Both swimmers added more gold to their tallies in the Men’s 50m Breaststroke and Women’s 400m Freestyle, respectively. Not to mention, Ingrid made a mighty splash with another South African Record AND a Championship Record!

But this was only the beginning of the victory laps. Greg McLeroth and Sally Ralfe scored silver, while Tim, Calvin Maughan, and Marc shone brightly in first place in the gold lane.

Marc’s win in the Men 100m Butterfly saw him set both a World Record and a Competition Record.

In the relay races, South African teams earned medals across the board. The Mixed freestyle Relay CTMSC team even set a World Record and a Competition Record while the Mixed Medley Relay matched that energy and made the same records. A special shoutout to the CTMSC Men’s Freestyle Relay team whose first place saw them set a Competition Record!

By Day 6, Tim had set yet another Competition Record for the Men 200m Breaststroke while Harald Ruck joined the Competition Record rockers for his 50m Backstroke.

Marc went on to set another World Record on day 7 for the Men 50m Butterfly while other swimmers earned gold (Ingrid Trusler and Cecilia Stanford) and bronze for their efforts.

“South Africa, you totally rocked the pool with your talent, showing the world what you’re made of. You’ve inspired us all with your dedication and spirit,” shared Melanie Van Wyk. 

All in all, the Masters Championships saw SA relish in:

• 17 Gold wins
• 7 Silver wins
• 17 Bronze wins

An outstanding achievement!

Sources: Swimming South Africa

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Three times was certainly the charm for Amber Fillary whose incredible determination saw her break not one, but three Guinness World Records in the space of two days!

Konsberg, Norway (04 March 2024) — South African record holder, Amber Fillary, has made history once again, setting not one, but three new Guinness World Records this weekend in Konsberg, Norway!

On Saturday, 2nd March 2024, Amber shattered her previous record by swimming 100 meters under the ice in a single breath, wearing only a costume.

As if that achievement wasn’t enough, she pushed herself even further, breaking her own record the following day by swimming an astonishing 105 meters under the ice in a single breath, still wearing only a costume.

Despite these incredible achievements, Amber still had enough gas in the tank to set ANOTHER record.  Demonstrating unparalleled determination and skill, she swam an incredible 110 meters under the ice on a single breath accompanied by a costume and a monofin.

Thanks to her triple threat of World Records, Amber has secured her place in the halls of sports history as the sole individual to have swum the furthest under the ice in a single breath.

 

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A post shared by Aleksander Nordahl (@freedivingnorway)

In an exclusive statement, Amber Fillary expressed her elation at her unprecedented achievement, saying,

“I am beyond ecstatic to have broken not one, but three Guinness World Records in the span of just two days. This journey has been nothing short of incredible, and I am immensely grateful for the support of my sponsor, Carrick Wealth, whose unwavering belief in me has been instrumental in this success.”

The athlete’s feats extend far beyond the realm of athletics; serving as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.

Drawing from her own struggles with mental health issues, Fillary hopes to raise awareness and inspire others to overcome their own challenges.

“I dedicate these records to everyone who is battling with mental health issues,” she remarked. “I want to show that no matter how difficult things may seem, with determination and support, anything is possible. Together, we can break through barriers and achieve the extraordinary.”

Sources: Supplied / Free Diving Norway

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Down Syndrome superstar athlete Zora Wegerif was given the incredible opportunity to represent SA by competing at the 2024 Trisome Games. But, that’s not the best part of the story. In under two weeks, people rallied together to make sure that she would be able to pay her way there and secure her chance to make SA proud. Their effort, in turn, has already given SA so much to be proud of:

Global (04 March 2024) — Athletes across disciplines know the emotional rollercoaster that is being selected to participate in international competitions. On the one hand, you’re ecstatic to have been given the opportunity to represent the rainbow nation in a sport you’ve worked so hard to excel at. But on the other hand, the financial headaches that come with this kind of opportunity are enough to make most South Africans’ hearts sink. This was the initial case for Zora Wegerif and her family after Zora, a talented swimmer, was given the chance to represent South Africa at the upcoming Trisome Games—a big competition for Down Syndrome athletes.

If her name rings a bell, you might remember Zora as the very first person with Down Syndrome to complete the 94.7 Cycle Challenge! A determined athlete, she has worked hard to exercise her swimming talents both locally and internationally.

Even though competition-related financial obstacles cause immense stress for athletes across the spectrum, competitive opportunities for athletes with Down Syndrome pail in comparison to the chances that other athletes who aren’t differently abled have. When there is more representation and more support, the chances for more competitions starts to become less a matter of wishful thinking, and more one of possibility.

As many athletes and those who want to help them make their cometition dreams come true do, Zora’s parents Marc and Teresa Wegerif created a crowdfund campaign.

If you’ve ever made a crowdfunding campaign, you know that they can sit for months before gaining traction. Closing fundraising targets is its own kind of brilliant achievement.

That’s why Zora’s journey to the Trisome Games was an epic splash of good news! Created on 12 February, Zora’s campaign target was reached in record time— just under two weeks! Not only this, but the target was surpassed with the initial ask being R35,925 and the donations made to the tune of R37,988.04.

This means she will not only actually get to shine for SA at the Trisome Games (happening between 19-26 March), but she’ll do it knowing how many people already back her before she’s even dipped her toes into the Trisome’s pools.

Sources: BackaBuddy Impact Village 

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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From Soweto to the States, sprinter and speed prince Shaun Maswanganyi is taking the running world by storm! Recently, he set a brand new record, making South Africa proud on international tracks:

Texas, USA (01 March 2024) — Shaun Maswanganyi, the iconic 23-year-old sprinter, continues to solidify his title as a prince of speed after a hugely successful stretch in Texas.

An athlete who has held South Africa’s flag up to the stars at every level of competition, Shaun has just made South Africa proud again by setting a brand new record at a track competition that saw speed take centre stage at Texas Tech University.

From Soweto to the States, Shaun’s career as an athlete has grown from strength to strength. No stranger to making South Africa proud, last year, he earned silver in the 100m of the FISU World University Games in China. He has also competed in the Tokyo Olympics, and was ranked as fastest male athlete in SA after his 200m clock-in which dipped below 20-seconds last year. Better yet, these are just a few of his achievements; with others ranging from national records to being crowned the African U20 champion.

 

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A post shared by Shaun Maswanganyi, OLY (@tshedzo.m)

In his recent record-rocking moment, the University of Houston sprinter set a men’s 200m record with 20.41 seconds on the clock. According to Houston Cougar Track and Field, this incredible display of speed means that Shaun has made an “all-time South African record’—the “fastest in South Africa’s 200m indoor short track history”!

 

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A post shared by Shaun Maswanganyi, OLY (@tshedzo.m)

Although he might be a Houston local these days, Shaun’s determination to represent South Africa with pride is unwavering; beneath the red and white kit he wears is green and gold blood as he continues his career as a local and international legend in the making.

Sources: Various (Linked Above)

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Nontuthuko Mgabhi has already raised over R3 million in her lifetime for children and schools who most need it. Now, she’s setting to task again for a massive challenge of 520kms for 520 pairs of school shoes!

Richards Bay, South Africa (23 February 2024) — Nontuthuko ‘Nontu’ Mgabhi is a champion of two incredible endeavours—ultramarathons and making sure rural children have the essentials!

Putting her own feet to task for others ample times (She is the first female from Africa to run 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 consecutive days) Nontu has successfully raised over R3 million to provide so many learners facing poverty with the essentials they need to feel dignified and encouraged at school.

Her passion has paved the path for building classrooms, renovating schools, and providing books and food, as well as the always essential and trajectory-shifting—school shoes.

Last year, Nontu hit the ground running at the Ultra ASIA 160km Race in Vietnam where she came second in the women’s division and fourth overall. But, regardless of all her achievements, her biggest win by far is being able to make a difference in the life of a school child who needs it most.

Nontu is back at it again in 2024 and will be focusing on a whopping 520km ultramarathon, The Track Namibia, scheduled for 15-24 May. 520kms for 520 pairs of school shoes, her endeavour will take her on a 10-day journey through the Valley of the Moon, the tropic of Capricorn and the Sesriem and Sossusvlei Dunes.

For the experienced long-distance runner, this will be a new kind of challenge given the extreme distance. But, it’s one well worth it, given the underprivileged children in KwaZulu-Natal who will get to walk in school shoes that say, ‘Someone went all the extra miles for me’.

“I believe in giving back, I am grateful that I am able to give back through my passion: a love of running, travel and nature. It is  wonderful to live a life that is authentic with impact. To prepare for these races, although challenging, is not a chore for me—it is a privilege to get to do this. I have the health and means to do it.”—Nontuthuko Mgabhi. 

Those looking to support Nontu on yet another impactful adventure can get in touch with her on nontu.mgabhi@icloud.com!

Sources: Team South Africa; GTG 

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What was initially the road to the Olympics has turned into the road to recovery for Jessie Munton who has made South Africa so proud as an athlete numerous times over. After being hit by a car last month, Jessie’s fighting spirit has had to shine like never before:

South Africa (15 February 2024)—17-year-old Jessie Munton was preparing for the South African Road National Championships and forging her path to one day participating in the Olympics when everything changed. A car with a reportedly intoxicated driver behind the wheel spun the trajectory of her life around in an instant; placing her on a road few travel at this magnitude—the road to recovery.

An athlete who has made South Africa so proud on numerous occasions (including representing SA at the Youth Commonwealth Games and earning national championship titles left, right and centre), Jessie is now in the kind of race that requires immense community support.

For a month, her fighting spirit has kept her going. She has faced severe brain damage and an induced coma since the incident, but her body has pushed on to the point where she is now in her own coma and breathing without life support, as her brother, Byron, shares.

“In the weeks ahead, Jessie will embark on the next phase of her recovery journey at a specialised rehabilitation clinic,” says Byron. But this is the part of the story where every drop of help becomes critical. 

With the road to recovery uncertain in terms of duration, what is certain is that she needs desperate financial help as her medical coverage dwindles.

Her family have estimated that roughly R2 million is necessary to cover her rehab, scans, doctor visits and essential medical equipment among other necessities.

Calling on South Africans, the Muntons are asking for help in any way to give Jessie this lifeline.

“All we want is the very best for Jessie, to see her regain the joys of life that were temporarily stolen from her. So we’re reaching out with open hearts, asking for your support in any way you can offer. Every gesture, big or small, will help pave the way for Jessie’s bright future.”—Byron Munton.

You can make your drop in the ocean by finding Jessie’s BackaBuddy campaign here, and her GoFundMe campaign here if you are internationally based.

Sources: Byron Munton 

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Talk about a winning morning swim! Erin Gallagher swam a best time at the World Aquatics Championships in Doha AND made history with a new record!

Doha, Qatar (12 February 2024) — South Africa’s water warriors set off late last week for the 2024 World Aquatics Championships in Doha, with many of our swimmers well-prepared to make South Africa proud as a precursor to the Paris Olympics. Basking in SA’s pride is 25-year-old swimmer Erin Gallagher whose morning swim turned into an African record!

We’re sure Pretoria couldn’t be prouder of their girl who showed Worlds what putting heat into a heat looks like; especially during one of the most nerve-racking swims at a big event considering it was the first race.

Erin made her record-setting splash thanks to her time of 57.59 for the 100m butterfly. This led her to qualify for the semi-finals, where she kept her victory streak going by, soaring in at third place for that heat, ultimately earning her first opportunity to swim in the finals for Worlds.

The record Erin set is a new record for the continent; breaking the previous time set by Erin herself.

Experiencing a moment of such magnitude so early on at Worlds came as a big surprise to the young swimmer, who described it as both a shock and a treat”.

“Being the first race of the gala, with the nerves and breaking the ice, sometimes you can have a bit of a rusty swim and you realise what you need to work on, so to see that African record next to my time was a really big shock for me.” 

Because she hardly expected it to go so well so early on made it that much more of a treat.

Joining Erin in the finals cohort is Chad Le Clos, who congratulated Erin by sharing he’s very happy for her and her progress.

Meanwhile, other South Africans continue to give the Worlds’ waters their best, with the Championship on until 18 February (Sunday).

Sources: Team SA

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Anticipation builds as South African swimmers prepare to compete in the 2024 World Aquatics Championships in Doha!

Global (07 February 2024) — Chad le Clos, Lara van Niekerk, Matt Sates, and so many other talented South African swimmers are setting off full steam ahead for the swimming events portion of the World Aquatics Championships 2024 in Doha. This marks the last big splash in terms of global competitions for the swimming world before the big catch—the Paris Olympics.

Although this year’s Worlds has an interesting timing (it is very early in the season for an event of this magnitude), Team South Africa is ready to dive into action, armed with positive outlooks.

“I love racing and both my coach and I thought it would be great preparation for Paris, and it will help us see what needs to be tweaked leading up to the Games,” said Lara van Niekerk who really started taking the swimming world by storm in 2022.

In agreement with the positive perspective, Swimming World Cup champ Pieter Coetzé added:

“I saw this as a great opportunity to race at the highest level and make some tweaks before the Olympics. I am aiming to be faster than I was in the past.”

Many swimming events are taking place from 11 February until 18 February, but the heat has already been on for divers and open water swimmers, polo players and artistic swimmers (South Africa has 49 representatives) who began their events on 2 February.

The swimmers representing South Africa are:

• Chad le Clos
• Clayton Jimmie
• Duné Coetzee
• Emma Chelius
• Erin Gallagher
• Hannah Pearse
• Lara van Niekerk
• Milla Drakopoulous
• Matthew Randle
• Matt Sates
• Pieter Coetzé
• Stephanie Houtman
• Tayla Jonker

Let’s show our swimmers pools of support!

Sources: Team South Africa 

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Matt Dove is about to launch the Midlands Camino where he will tackle 330km non-stop to raise funds for the lifesaving care the Midlands Hospice Provides:

Midlands, South Africa (02 February 2024)—When it comes to any great Camino adventure, purpose pushes the walker on. The distance becomes secondary to the commitment. And the steps taken are less about the legs and far more about the heart.

For Matt Dove who is about to test and launch a 330km route in the Midlands (a non-stop endeavour for Matt), purpose and heart are at the centre of the big run. His Midlands Camino hopes to inspire others to donate their steps, all with the everyday heroes at the Midlands Hospice and those they work tirelessly to help in mind.

An experienced ultra trail runner, Matt has opted to launch a trail that aims to serve the Midlands Hospice and their funding initiative coming in April.

The Midlands Hospice tells Good Things Guy that starting on 23 February, the route will take Matt far and wide. He will leave from Howick through the forests of the Karkloof and Curry’s Post districts, the rolling hills around Nottingham Road to Rosetta before venturing into the gorgeous Kamberg valley where stud and sheep farms exist in tranquillity. From there, he will head through some of the darling Dargle Valley region of blue streams and the forests that open up to the grasslands. After he moves down the Dargle Forests, up over Mount Ashley and through the Mpophomeni community, which the Hospice has worked with closely, he’ll push on to the uMngeni Valley Gorge. Finally, he will trek through Umngeni Valley and Gwen’s Gorge before making it across Umngeni River until he reaches the Hospice again.

This map of trails is not random. It makes up the circumnavigation of the areas the Midlands Hospice serves; providing a physical interaction with where their influence reaches.

With Matt kickstarting the Camino, he will also be igniting the flame for the Hospice’s fundraising. Two months later, Midlands Hospice will be hosting a 12 Midlands Camino—Hospice330 Trail where others will join the call.

The funds will greatly contribute to the Hospice’s role in helping those facing life-threatening illnesses, with plans for an inpatient facility.

While the details for the Hospice330 Trail event are still in the works, Matt’s is gearing up to leave an incredible mark not just on the trails, but the lives of those near them.

You can keep up with the happenings on social media, and donations for this massive effort can be made as follows:

Howick Hospice Association
Standard Bank
Account type: Cheque
Account number: 052471624
Reference: “Run” and Your Name.

Section 18A certificates will be provided on request.

Sources: Website Submission; Shirley Mackenzie/ Midlands Hospice

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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After an assault that left his leg severely damaged, Mhlengi Gwala’s life as a rising athlete changed forever. But, he refused to let this be the end of his story. Chasing new dreams, his sights are now on the 2024 Paralympics, and South Africa is fully behind him:

Global (01 February 2024) — In March 2018, Mhlengi Gwala was a rising star in international triathlons from South Africa. He was in his late 20s, and the future was as bright as headlights.

But one fateful morning, trauma struck. While training in Durban, he was assaulted in the most vicious way by assailants who would hand-saw his leg, leaving muscles, nerves and bones damaged. This was followed by an attack on his left leg.

Anyone’s spirits would’ve been shattered after something like this. But Mhlengi has a lion’s heart, filled with the kind of strength that eventually got him back on his bike.

Mhlengi’s crowdfunding campaign, “Get Mhlengi back on his bike,” won hearts around the world and raised over R764,000, which was vital to his medical expenses. It showed not only that people believed he could overcome the worst of adversity, but also helped him build a house and hope for his mom.

Fast forward to 2024, and Mhlengi is not only ‘back on his bike’ but has emerged as a formidable figure in para-athletics. Here are some of his achievements; enough to make the toughest among us cry knowing the story behind the accolades:

• 1st Place: 2019 Shandrani African Championship
• 2nd Place: Portugal World Para Cup
• 1st Place: 2021 RSA Championship
• 12th Place: 2021 World Championships in Abu Dhabi
• 1st Place: 2022 RSA Championship
• 7th Place: 2022 World Para Cup in Coruna
• 1st Place: 2023 African Championship in Hurghada

Preparations are now on for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, where he will compete alongside 4,400 athletes from a record number of National Paralympic Committees.

Mhlengi is set to participate in the Para triathlon, which will start from Pont Alexandre III bridge in Paris.

As Mhlengi prepares for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, scheduled for August 28 to September 8, he is upping the ante on his rigorous training routine for running, swimming and cycling.

Accompanying his training is another dream. That of purchasing a steed for the big Games—a Speed Concept SLR 7 Bike, designed for peak performance. He has set up a crowdfunding campaign to support getting the kind of bike that’ll do his hard-training justice. You can support it here!

Should the campaign raise funds beyond the cost of the bike, the additional finances will be allocated towards the myriad of expenses associated with competing at the highest level, including travel, accommodation, intensive training camps, nutrition, and professional coaching.

Seeing Mgheni Gwala make South Africa proud in Paris this year wouldn’t just be an individual achievement, but one for absolutely anyone who has faced the unthinkable and thought it was the end of the road. It’ll be an achievement for the dreamers. The ones who believe that hope still exists even in the toughest places. And the ones who give others license to find new dreams by virtue of their resilience.

“The people of South Africa and across the world are the ones who have kept me going. Their support and well-wishes —and my children—are what kept me going.”—Mhlengi Gwala.

Sources: BackaBuddy 

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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