Seidler smashes record
Their ability to cope successfully with the strong current during the 1.9km race contributed to Phillip Seidler and Amica de Jager's success.
Phillip Seidler broke his own record as he won the 13th edition of the Pupkewitz Jetty Mile in a time of 18:33.
The 21-year-old, who has now won the Jetty Mile on seven consecutive occasions, broke his previous record of 19:08, which he set last year.
“I had a three-week training camp and it worked really well for me. It was the best race that I've ever had. I think that record will never be broken again, even when I die,” Seidler added.
“The current was very good. The strong winds and big waves made the current stronger and this gives an advantage for getting a faster time.” He said it was one of his most memorable Jetty Miles ever, especially because he shared the water and the experience with his girlfriend, Amica de Jager, who won the women's race.
“This year I was aware of being challenged by international Italian swimmer Luca Simonetti (who took second place in a time of 20:41) and my friend, Xander Skinner (who took third place in a time of 21:08).”
Seidler said in order to defend his title his focus was setting a faster pace and to use his open water tactics, acquired from international exposure, to ensure a win.
“Using the average swell and rough conditions to my favour made the race more exciting and I broke last year's record.”
He attributed his success to his training regime, which evidently paid off.
He further congratulated every competitor that challenged the tough conditions of the Jetty Mile.
“This makes us, at the end of the day, all winners.”
In the women's race, South African De Jager (20) emerged victorious in a time of 20:33.
“I feel absolutely amazing after winning the race. It was my first Pupkewitz Jetty Mile, so I was just trying to see what happens. I just gave it my all and ended up winning it,” De Jager said.
She also said that winning the race has motivated her to take part in similar events in the future.
“I always love racing in the ocean; it is so much fun and it always presents a welcome challenge.”
De Jager beat second-placed Heleni Stergiadis (23:33) and third-placed Vicky Botha (23:40) to the title.
According to event organiser Ivonne Brinkmann over 300 swimmers participated in the Pupkewitz Jetty Mile this year.
“When we first started this event with the Pupkewitz Foundation 13 years ago, it was mostly an event where family and friends took part, but over the years it has grown.
“What is interesting about this event is that world-class athletes took part here. We also had a full range of participants, from the youngsters to the older ones. So it is just not an event for a specific group and that is why people enjoy it,” said Brinkmann.
The Pupkewitz Jetty Mile also included a 600m sprint event. The results of the sprint event were as follows:
Males
Niko Esslinger - 11:11
Jo Dave Chocolanti: 11:39
Bravo Magongo - 12:01
Females
Adriana Naukosho - 12:54
Mackenzie Spath - 12:56
Maja Brinkmann - 13:51
Limba Mupetami and Adolf Kaure
The 21-year-old, who has now won the Jetty Mile on seven consecutive occasions, broke his previous record of 19:08, which he set last year.
“I had a three-week training camp and it worked really well for me. It was the best race that I've ever had. I think that record will never be broken again, even when I die,” Seidler added.
“The current was very good. The strong winds and big waves made the current stronger and this gives an advantage for getting a faster time.” He said it was one of his most memorable Jetty Miles ever, especially because he shared the water and the experience with his girlfriend, Amica de Jager, who won the women's race.
“This year I was aware of being challenged by international Italian swimmer Luca Simonetti (who took second place in a time of 20:41) and my friend, Xander Skinner (who took third place in a time of 21:08).”
Seidler said in order to defend his title his focus was setting a faster pace and to use his open water tactics, acquired from international exposure, to ensure a win.
“Using the average swell and rough conditions to my favour made the race more exciting and I broke last year's record.”
He attributed his success to his training regime, which evidently paid off.
He further congratulated every competitor that challenged the tough conditions of the Jetty Mile.
“This makes us, at the end of the day, all winners.”
In the women's race, South African De Jager (20) emerged victorious in a time of 20:33.
“I feel absolutely amazing after winning the race. It was my first Pupkewitz Jetty Mile, so I was just trying to see what happens. I just gave it my all and ended up winning it,” De Jager said.
She also said that winning the race has motivated her to take part in similar events in the future.
“I always love racing in the ocean; it is so much fun and it always presents a welcome challenge.”
De Jager beat second-placed Heleni Stergiadis (23:33) and third-placed Vicky Botha (23:40) to the title.
According to event organiser Ivonne Brinkmann over 300 swimmers participated in the Pupkewitz Jetty Mile this year.
“When we first started this event with the Pupkewitz Foundation 13 years ago, it was mostly an event where family and friends took part, but over the years it has grown.
“What is interesting about this event is that world-class athletes took part here. We also had a full range of participants, from the youngsters to the older ones. So it is just not an event for a specific group and that is why people enjoy it,” said Brinkmann.
The Pupkewitz Jetty Mile also included a 600m sprint event. The results of the sprint event were as follows:
Males
Niko Esslinger - 11:11
Jo Dave Chocolanti: 11:39
Bravo Magongo - 12:01
Females
Adriana Naukosho - 12:54
Mackenzie Spath - 12:56
Maja Brinkmann - 13:51
Limba Mupetami and Adolf Kaure
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