Namibian Sun

Philip Seidler was overjoyed after having completed the gruelling open-water swim in 19 minutes and 58 seconds, beating his own time last year (20 minutes and 24 seconds) by 24 seconds.

“I feel a bit tired but I am very happy that I reached my goal of completing the swim in under 20 minutes,” he said.

Seidler has also set his sights on the 2020 Olympics and plans to compete in the 10-km open-water event.

“I am busy training to qualify for the Olympics and I hope to make it to the trials. I will be competing at the Jeffery's Bay Open Water event on 27 January to gain more experience,” he said.

Swimmers at the Jetty Mile had to battle rough waters and huge waves, coupled with a strong northern wind. Seidler said he, however, used the adverse conditions to his advantage.

“This is an advantage for me because I am a local surfer and swimmer. I know how to use the rough conditions to my advantage and I know all the secrets,” he said.

Seidler also thanked the Eghardt Brand Foundation for sponsoring him to take part in this event as well as his family for their support. He also thanked his two coaches, Nadja Seidler and Janus Stergiadis, for their assistance and support.

Another young swimmer who took the spotlight at the Jetty Mile was 15 year-old Heleni Stergiadis from Windhoek. She finished the event in sixth place overall with a time of 26 minutes and 2 seconds and was the first female to cross the finish line.

She participated in the event for the first time last year and was also the first female to cross the finish line, finishing in tenth place overall.

“I feel very refreshed and energised. I don't really focus on time and I only do it for fun and to have an opportunity to train with the other swimmers. We started training about a week ago and it was a lot of fun,” she said.

Seidler was followed by Xander Skinner in second place (24:06) and Corné le Roux came in third place (24:25).

JESSICA BOTES