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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