The Masters Championship was held from March 15 to 19 in East London. The Championship had 493 competitors who participated in 40 events over four days. The Open Water Swim, over 1 and 3 km respectively, was held at Wriggleswade Dam near Stutterheim with 280 competitors braving the misty, chilly conditions.
Although the Masters swimming team had only nine members participating, they managed to bring home 32 medals between them. Loy Park from Little Brak River – the oldest member of the team at 85 won 5 medals, and Alan Dando (81) from Knysna won 5 medals. These octogenarians proved that swimming is a great way to keep fit and active. The rest of the medal count: Tanya Osborne (44) from George won 8, Moneque Roos (34) from Cape Town won 5, Pippy Bishop (35) from George won 4, Judy Dixon (76) from Sedgefield won 2, and Jill Black (60) from George won 2. New members Mike McDonald (72) from George won 1, and lanie Farrelly (55) from Sedgefield won 1.
Most Fish Eagles members reside in or close to George and train at Virgin Active, Wellness Center, and/or the Conville Pool, with open water sessions at the many dams around the Garden Route.
Not only did the team make an impression in the water, but the sponsored gear had other teams looking on with envy. The colourful costumes especially drew a great deal of complimentary comments.
Fish Eagles Masters Swimming 