New swimming star makes splash

THE aQuelle Ocean Racing Series may have uncovered another swimming star after 16-year-old Framesby pupil Brigitte Muller comfortably won the women's 1km swim in the opening round 10 days ago.

Having moved from Bloemfontein to Port Elizabeth in July, the Ocean Racing Series was Muller's first ever ocean swim event, which she said she thoroughly enjoyed.

"I started swimming at the age of eight and by the age of 10, I entered my first open water event and just loved it," Muller said.

"I enjoy athletics and biathlon, but find that swimming consumes most of my time at the moment and I'm really enjoying training under Debbie Lockett."

The Ocean Racing Series offers Muller the perfect opportunity to try to follow in the footsteps of Velia Janse van Rensburg and Jessica Roux, two former Ocean Racing Series champions who went on to become South Africa's top female open water swimmers.

This year, Muller took part in her first Midmar Mile, finishing a creditable 34th overall in a time of 24 minutes, eight seconds.

"Midmar was such an incredible experience for me that I followed this up with a second place in the Sterkfontein 5km swim and I also did the Rhodes Mile High swim, which was at an altitude of 2555m with a water temp of just eight degrees."

Season 10 of the Ocean Series consists of 10 race days, ending in March where families can enjoy any one of the six disciplines held each race day.

For the swimmers, there are the 1km and 2km ocean swims, with the 2km event increasing to 3km in January.

A new addition this season is the 3km stand up paddle race, while for the fun runners and walkers there's the 5km beach run and walk.

For children 12 years and under, the series includes the 1km beach run or walk, with participants from as young as two taking part.

The second round takes place on Sunday morning at Hobie Beach, starting at 9am.