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South Africa’s swimmers collected one gold and three bronze medals at the first stop of the 2025 World Aquatics Swimming World Cup in Carmel, Indiana, to finish 10th on the overall medal table after three days of competition.
Nineteen-year-old Chris Smith (Top image) produced a breakthrough performance to claim gold in the men’s 50m breaststroke, edging out the Netherlands’ Caspar Corbeau by just three hundredths of a second in a thrilling finish. Smith touched in 25.75 seconds, the fastest short course time in the world this year. Belarusian Ilya Shymanovich secured the bronze in 25.79. The young South African narrowly missed out on another final in the 100m breaststroke, placing ninth overall in 57.95 seconds – just five hundredths of a second shy of the top eight.
Smith’s coach at Alcatraz Swimming Club in Centurion, Michelle Vlasakova, who has guided him since the age of 10, was thrilled with his performance, after the talented teen just missed out on the medals at both the long and short course world championships.
“I’m very proud of Chris, that he finally got it. I think he really deserved it this time. He’s been so close at the last two big international meets,” said Vlasakova.
“We both believed he could do it, and I even told him: ‘You can go so much faster’ after the heats. I know what he can do in training, and he also knows it… so definitely a lot of confidence for him going forward and training towards the Commonwealth Games and Olympics and the World Championships before that. I think he’s unstoppable now if he keeps believing in the programme and in the coaching.”
Vlasakova believes that what separates the medallists from the rest of the pack on the international stage is their mental toughness.
“I think that is what Chris is best at. He’s very mentally strong. When he puts his head to something, no one can tell him otherwise.”
Vlasakova said she believes there’s still room for technical improvement with both her and Smith harbouring “big goals” of breaking former Olympic champion and world record holder Cameron van der Burgh’s national and continental records and reaching the top of the podium at the Commonwealth Games and Olympics.
Meanwhile, back in Carmel, Rebecca Meder secured two podium finishes and set an African record. She earned bronze in the women’s 200m breaststroke, clocking 2:18.14 behind Olympic champion Kate Douglass (2:13.97) and Germany’s Anna Elendt (2:17.80). The 23-year-old’s time was just 0.12 of a second off the national and continental short course record set by four-time Olympic medallist Tatjana Smith back in 2020.
Meder (Image below) returned to the pool to secure another bronze in the 200m individual medley, breaking her own South African and African record with a time of 2:05.56. The race was won by American Alex Walsh in 2:04.76, with Britain’s Abbie Wood taking silver in 2:05.14. Meder also secured fifth-place finishes in both the 100m breaststroke (1:04.41) and the 100m individual medley (58.26).
While pleased with her performances, the New Zealand-based swimmer said afterwards she was still hoping for more.
“I’m happy with the times that I posted. Obviously, I always want more, and I want to be better, and I want to be faster, so I’m chasing down those African records, especially in the 200 breaststroke and the 100 breaststroke because I’m very close,” she said.
“You supposedly need to get faster each leg as you go along, and I’m just so grateful for the opportunity to race all these girls. Last year, I was only able to do the first leg and this year I’m able to do all three, so I’m really excited to see how I progress through the series and just learn from all the racing and competing against the world’s best.”
Veteran star Chad le Clos, who is the most decorated male swimmer in Swimming World Cup history, continued to build on that legacy, claiming bronze in the men’s 100m butterfly in 49.57 seconds. Switzerland’s Noe Ponti took gold in 48.53 with Canada’s Ilya Kharun second in 49.02.
Le Clos also placed 11th in the 50m backstroke (23.86) and 23rd overall in the 100m freestyle (47.85) but was disqualified from the 50m butterfly.
The only other South Africans in action were the US-based duo of Marizel van Jaarsveld and Francois Malherbe. Van Jaarsveld placed 15th overall in the women’s 50m breaststroke (31.59) and 22nd in both the 100m breaststroke (1:08.80) and 200m breaststroke (2:36.20), while finishing 18th in the 200m individual medley (2:19.06). Malherbe competed in a busy freestyle programme, finishing 31st in the 50m (22.30), 34th in the 100m (49.17) and 35th in the 200m (1:48.33).
The second stop of the 2025 World Aquatics Swimming World Cup takes place from 17-19 October in Westmont, Illinois. While Smith has headed back to South Africa, Meder will be aiming for a return to the podium in Westmont.
As some of you may know, Garden Day is just around the corner! This annual celebration began 10 years ago as a reminder to pause the endless garden chores — watering, weeding, feeding, and all the rest — and simply enjoy your garden. The tradition? Celebrate your hard work in the garden with a garden party and, of course, wear a flower crown — the iconic symbol of Garden Day!
To help you make the most of your Sunday celebration, we’ll be running a Garden Day Special:
15% off all plants in bloom
Thursday, 9 October – Sunday, 12 October
Use your new blooms to craft a beautiful flower crown or add a splash of colour to your garden. And even if you’re not celebrating, well — discounted plants are always a win!
Chat to Hilton's friendly nurseryman, Ben, on 083 384 2815
With exams around the corner and spring light streaming in, now’s the perfect time for a vision check-in.
This World Sight Day (9 October), let’s make sure their eyes are ready for success — not stress!
Allergy season struggles?
Spring pollen can cause red, itchy, watery eyes that make studying a blurry battle.
Studying in poor light?
One overhead bulb can throw shadows that strain their eyes and trigger headaches.
Outdoor sports + bright sunshine?
Extra UV exposure can leave eyes tired before study time even begins.
Too much screen time?
Try “Night Mode” or blue-light filters to protect their eyes during those late-night revision sessions.
A quick eye test can make a world of difference — helping them stay focused, comfortable, and confident heading into exams.
This World Sight Day, book their check-up and give their eyes the care they deserve.
3 Monzali Dr, Hilton Health Centre
033 343 0881 | WhatsApp 076 050 5877
Switch those sad plastic tokens for Fire Gem glass characters!!!
Cool. Collectible. Classy.
DIY your crackers or just swap the fillers. We support the mission! Get your characters, keyrings, or mini-scenes now and make your 2025 Christmas Day lunch utterly memorable for all your special guests.
Price range: R50 for the little yellow Chick, R195 for a Santa Hat Character and R235 for a Christmas Scene.
WhatsApp Gill on 082 254 4798 to order.
"During the Somatic Rebalance massage I use specific massage techniques and pressure points to free trapped nervous tension and trauma in the body. This training was part of my complementary therapy module which I completed years ago. It is exciting to meet a growing demand for this therapy which has recently been ignited by social media. I am happy to confirm this is a really worthwhile process, it is not a passing fad and deserves to be trending." says Krisna.
Big names in the world of roses will headline at the upcoming Midland's Rose Society's Speaker's Morning this month.
The need for emotional and psychological support in the education sector, where Teachers often carry huge workloads and growing demands, is steadily increasing. A New Online Support Group is launching on Wednesday, 1 October at 7pm to help support Educators coping with Anxiety. "It’s difficult to pour from an empty cup. We need to support each other and create a safe space so we feel less alone," says Support Group Leader Nirvana. For more info & to RSVP contact Nirvana on 081 591 0084.
There were two more continental records broken by South African swimmers on the final day of the World Para Swimming Championships in Singapore on Saturday.
Christian Sadie, who already has a silver and two bronze medals from these championships, set a new African record in the S7 100m freestyle, but just missed out on another podium spot. He stopped the clock at 1 minute 04.77 seconds on his way to fourth place. Gold was taken by Ukrainian Andrii Trusov in a new championship record of 59.90 seconds.
“The finals went really well. I was able to execute what I needed and it was an amazing way to finish off the gala with a personal best time by a second and a little bit, as well as another African record so I’m super-stoked with the swim,” he said afterwards.
As for finishing the championships with three medals, Sadie (Top image) added: “I couldn’t have asked for a better gala. I think it’s definitely shown the work that we’ve put in, and the pieces are starting to fall into place that we’ve invested in for a long time so it’s nice to see it paying off.”
Nathan Hendricks (Image below) once again showed some fine form on his way to an African record of 2:16.55 in the SM13 200m individual medley. But it was ultimately not enough to secure a medal as he finished in sixth spot, with Russian Egor Shchitkovskii securing the gold in 2:06.07.
“The 200IM I was quite happy with. I was a bit sick, but I was happy with how I performed, getting that record,” said Hendricks.
“It makes me excited because I know there’s still a lot I can improve on, especially in that race – the backstroke I can improve on, the breaststroke, and the turns. I’m pretty excited that I can still drop time in it,” added the 20-year-old.
The other South Africans in action on Saturday were Alani Ferreira and Danika Vyncke, who both finished sixth in their respective heats of the SM13 200m individual medley in the morning and did not progress to the evening final.
Head coach Theo Verster said after the end of the championships that the feeling in the Team South Africa camp is one of excitement for the future with an eye on the next World Championships in 2027 and ultimately the Paralympic Games in 2028.
“We’re super-happy with the performances of Team South Africa. It’s a nice build on what we achieved in 2023 when we got two golds, a silver and a bronze and it’s very refreshing to see that we could pull this off with Christian and managing quite a few spots where we couldn’t convert into medals, we got quite close to which was very good to see,” said Verster.
A few factors affected what could have been an even greater medal haul, with former world champion Kat Swanepoel unable to compete as she is undergoing treatment, and Ferreira being reclassified into the S13 class, having to compete against athletes with less severe visual impairments.
“Unfortunately, with Alani being upgraded to S13, that cost her a medal. If she was still S12, she would definitely have swum another medal for South Africa so that’s quite sad. But hopefully by 2027, with a review date just round about there, we hope that she’ll be pushed down to S12 again just before the Paralympics and that we’ll be able to convert some of her amazing swims into medals for LA 2028,” explained Vester.
“From a management point of view, we’re super-excited for the future. This is our third consecutive world championships, 2022, 2023 and now 2025 where Team South Africa have brought back medals, and it’s just getting better as we’re getting closer to the rest of the world. Hopefully going forward, we’ll be able to convert the fourth and fifth places into medals… so we’re looking forward to that. It’s exciting times for Para swimming.”
Laddsworth congratulates Charlotte Stevens and Maddison Findlay for representing Kwa-Zulu Natal at the Reading Riot Grand Finale, held at the University of Pretoria on Saturday, 6 September 2025.
Maddison placed 2nd in KZN and 10th overall in South Africa, while Charlotte achieved 3rd in KZN and 17th overall in South Africa, an incredible accomplishment!
We were also delighted to welcome Deon, a representative from Reading Riot, who presented certificates to Maddison Findlay, Charlotte Stevens, Joshua Krusekopf, and Bella Biggs for placing in the Top 10 in KwaZulu-Natal
More about Laddsworth Primary School
IT'S ALMOST THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN!!!!! Time to let your kids enjoy colour, without commitment!!!
Holiday Hair Conditioners only last 6 to 8 washes* ( very blonde hair does last longer so should applied to damp hair.), they are ammonia and peroxide free and cause NO DAMAGE!! Most importantly, they make kids happy!
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Use gloves to apply!! Apply liberally to clean, dry hair. Rub it in to ensure that all the hair is covered. Leave on for 30 to 60 minutes.
**Please note that because there is no peroxide this colour CANNOT lighten hair and can ONLY be used on blonde to brown hair.
***Pink and purple tend to stay much longer in very light hair, if you want it to only last 6 to 8 washes then apply to damp hair and only leave it on for 10 minutes.
Whatsapp 073 354 2896 to order yours OR find us at Howick and Hilton markets to get yours right away!!!
We still need a few more Jack Russells!
Our heart health study is almost complete — and we’re calling on a few final Jack Russell owners to help us wrap it up!
A big thank you to everyone who’s already taken part — your support has been incredible!
If your dog is 1–10 years old with no known heart or lung issues, they could receive a FREE 1-hour cardiac & lung check-up, including:
✔️ Consultation
✔️ Heart ultrasound & ECG
✔️ Chest X-rays
✔️ proBNP blood test
📞 Book today: 033-343-4602
Let’s finish strong!
This October, SADAG is proud to commemorate World Mental Health Day on the 10th October 2025, focusing on “Together for Mental Health.” For over 30 years, SADAG has been at the forefront of raising awareness, fighting stigma, and providing free support services to those affected by Mental Health issues in South Africa. This year, our focus is on the power of unity – bringing together patients, families, communities, Healthcare professionals, government, and civil society - to stand side by side for Mental Health.
Alone, we can do so little, but together we can achieve so much more.
From our “Go Green for Mental Health” activities in schools and workplaces to the #MoveForMentalHealth Parkruns, community talks, hospital and clinic awareness events, new Support Groups, and online webinars - every action reminds us that together, we can create hope, strengthen partnerships, and drive change for quality Mental Health care for all.
Corporate Challenge - Go Green For Mental Health
We are challenging all workplaces this World Mental Health Day (10 October) to join SADAG in going green for Mental Health. With 1 in 4 employees living with Depression and 1 in 3 South Africans experiencing a Mental Illness at some point, companies have a vital role to play in breaking stigma and supporting staff. By encouraging employees to wear green, decorating offices, or purchasing green ribbons (R10 each), your workplace can show solidarity while helping to spark conversations that break the stigma around Mental Health in the workplace.
Click here to read more on how to get involved.
What a cracker of a line-up! Peter Guthrie from Spoonfeedas and Serrotone, Jason Hartman (winner of Idols) and Erin Fourie (Idols top 10) all on one night!
Where can you meet with friends, and enjoy great music in a beautiful environment with roaring fires, hearty food and a cash bar – all for just R50? Spring evenings in the hills are alive with music — and while the nights are warming, we’ll still have the fires lit and the welcome waiting. Come join us for another night of heartfelt performances, local flavour, and the unique magic of MiTH.
MiTH – 8 October 2025
Venue: The Knoll Historic Guest Farm
Entrance: R50.00 (Cash or Zapper at the Door)
Info: 082 331 7271
8:45pm – GU3 (Pete Guthrie, Jo Ravell, Antonio Ravell, and Billy Kruger)
Pete Guthrie, frontman of Spoonfeedas and bassist/vocalist for Serrotone, takes the stage with GU3. He is joined by featured vocalist Jo Ravell, Antonio Ravell on lead guitar and Billy Kruger on drums. Guthrie has opened international shows for the likes of Muse, Metallica, Velvet Revolver, and Ronan Keating, and has performed the SA National Anthem at major rugby events. With several chart-topping tracks under his belt, and a reputation for dynamic live energy, Guthrie and GU3 promise a powerful set blending rock roots with versatile vocal harmonies.
7:45pm – Jason Hartman
Home is Where the Hart Is: The Hartman Brothers Return
After more than a decade apart, Jason Hartman and his brother Scott have reunited for a long-anticipated homecoming tour. Known for their seamless harmonies, heartfelt lyrics, and unmistakable chemistry, the Hartmans bring a performance that’s both intimate and powerful. Jason, a household name since his SA Idols victory, has built a respected solo career, but it’s the reunion with his brother (and their father) that makes this moment so special. Expect beloved hits, new songs, and stories from their shared journey in a celebration of family, legacy, and the enduring pull of music.
7:00pm – Erin Fourie
Since 2003, Erin Fourie has been performing across the KZN Midlands, her love of music nurtured from a young age. With an Honours degree in Drama and Performance Studies, she has worked in theatre and music productions locally and further afield, and was a top-10 SA Idols contestant in 2011. Strongly rooted in acoustic folk, Erin draws from a wide repertoire influenced by indie and alternative artists. Regularly seen at the Karkloof Farmers’ Market and other Midlands venues, she also lends her voice to the Midlands Chamber Choir.
ABOUT MiTH
KZN Midlands’ favourite music venue! MiTH is a platform for beginners, pros, and music lovers to celebrate the joy of music. Every second Wednesday at The Knoll Historic Guest Farm, Hilton. Food and soft drinks for sale. Cash bar available.
Visit www.mith.co.za for more info or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to perform.
DIRECTIONS TO MiTH
Take the N3 to Hilton. Turn into Hilton Village and drive 5.2km along Hilton Avenue, which becomes Dennis Shepstone Drive. Look for Knoll Drive on your right; the entrance to MiTH is the second left into The Knoll Historic Guest Farm.
As 2025 draws to a close, there’s no better way to celebrate your year than with friends, colleagues, and family at LivPadel Hilton. More than just a premium padel facility, we’re a hub for connection, fun, and unforgettable experiences, and the perfect venue to host your Christmas parties, year-end functions, and festive gatherings.
At LivPadel Hilton, we pride ourselves on offering a first-class padel experience with modern courts, a welcoming atmosphere, and outstanding service. But we also know that celebrations are about more than just the game — they’re about creating memories that last. That’s why we’ve opened our beautiful venue to not only cater for padel players but also for those looking for a vibrant, social space to bring their team, friends, or family together.
Imagine kicking off your year-end celebration with a friendly padel tournament among your colleagues or friends, followed by delicious food and drinks from our on-site vendors. With Coffeeberry Courtside and Bird & Co. as our trusted catering partners, you can rest assured that every taste and craving will be satisfied. From fresh coffees and indulgent treats to hearty meals and festive spreads, your party will be both active and indulgent, a winning combination for the holiday season.
Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a larger corporate function, our team will help tailor the event to suit your needs. With flexible space, a lively setting, and the perfect mix of sport and socialising, LivPadel Hilton makes your year-end function one to remember. Our courts and facilities are designed to bring people together, making it an excellent choice for companies looking to thank their teams, families wanting to celebrate the season, or groups of friends eager to end the year on a high note.
So why settle for the ordinary when you can make your year-end party extraordinary? Let your celebration be filled with laughter, teamwork, great food, and festive cheer, all in one place.
Bookings are now open, and spaces for the festive season are filling up quickly. For more information, or to start planning your event, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can reach us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or give us a call on 083 796 7793.
This festive season, make LivPadel Hilton your go-to destination for padel, parties, and plenty of good times. Celebrate the year the LivPadel way — active, social, and unforgettable!
Harrington House - Hilton College Road - Book your Year-End Function
You’ve worked side by side all year - now it’s time to celebrate together in style.
At Harrington House, we believe your year-end function should be as unique as your team. Forget the “one-size-fits-all” package - let’s create something just for you. Need food? We’ll connect you with the finest caterers. Want a touch of elegance? Our beautiful setting does the work for you.
From intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, we’ll help you mark the end of the year in a way that feels effortless, personal, and unforgettable.
Secure your date and let’s start planning a celebration worthy of your year.
Our gorgeous establishment does get fully booked during November and December so it is our advice that you book early to avoid disappointment.
Call +27 66 473 8699
Lara van Niekerk completed an impressive breaststroke clean sweep by adding the 200m gold to her collection on the final day of the Bombela Concession Company SA National (25m) Championships in Pietermaritzburg on Sunday.
The 22-year-old, who is well on the way to reclaiming the form that took her to two Commonwealth Games titles and long and short course World Championship medals, claimed victory in the 200m breaststroke on Sunday in a time of 2 minutes 24.81 seconds to add to her 50m and 100m crowns.
Better known for her sprinting prowess in the shorter breaststroke events, Van Niekerk (Top image) said she uses the 200m long course as training for her 100m, but admitted she much prefers the short course version of the race.
“I enjoy the 25-metre short course 200 because it's all about pull downs and you can keep up your speed, so I actually did really enjoy that race – don't tell my coach,” said a laughing Van Niekerk.
“The last 50, I did really have to dig deep. But I think just the fact that I could keep going and keep my tempo up is a really positive thing for me, it just shows my fitness is back where it should be. Now it's just the little technical things that we just need to sharpen up.
Speaking about her performances in general in terms of regaining confidence, Van Niekerk added: “This has only been positive. There's not one race I'm upset about, so that's a very good thing. I have some videos, I'm going to go and look back at them and just see exactly what I can work on, but I think overall the stroke is where it should be, it's more about just getting the speed up again, fitness is there, so it's looking good.”
The men’s 200m breaststroke title was claimed by Oliva Lange in 2:12.11.
Meanwhile, Duné Coetzee added the 200m butterfly title to the 200m and 400m freestyle golds she already had in the bag. The Pretoria swimmer won in a time of 2:14.16, pushed all the way by 16-year-old Abigail Kotze, who got the better of Coetzee in the 100m event earlier in the week. Kotze was a close second in 2:14.85.
Coetzee admitted afterwards, she was relieved to have felt better in the afternoon compared to her morning heat.
“This morning I quite literally felt awful, and I think that's just because I raced the 400 free very late last night, so I think that was still in me,” she said.
“I was a little bit nervous going into this race because I know that Abi's been crazy fast this meet, but at the same time, I was very excited because it's always nice to have some competition and I love racing, I've always been a racer.
“She really pushed me and I didn't think I was going to go five seconds faster than what I did this morning, so I'm really happy,” she added.
“Even in the 100 fly, even though she beat me, I'm so proud of her and it's so nice to have someone in the 100 and the 200 that can really push me.”
Jarden Eaton (Image below) sprung a surprise in the men’s 200m butterfly, beating favourite Tai Pearson to the title, dipping under two minutes for the first time to stop the clock on 1:59.50.
After securing the title from lane eight, Eaton admitted afterwards that even he was surprised by the result.
“I wasn’t expecting that really,” he said. “I just wanted a personal best, that’s all.
“The first 50 I wanted to just feel it out, be comfortable, easy with my stroke, and then towards the end on the third 50 and the fourth, I just wanted to build into my last 50 and pick up the rate… It’s amazing, I’m really, really happy with it.”
The 1500m freestyle titles were decided earlier in the day, with Carli Antonopoulos adding to her 800m title with victory in a time of 17 minutes 01.33 seconds.
Matthew Caldwell claimed his third title of the championships, winning the men’s 1500m freestyle in 15:28.11 to add to the 200 and 400m freestyle golds.
“It was different than I expected, a bit slower than I would like, but a win’s a win, especially after a long week of racing with very competitive swimming, I’m happy with that,” said Caldwell, who is now setting his sights on next year’s Commonwealth Games.
Jessica Thompson added two more gold medals to her haul as Lara van Niekerk showed glimpses of her old self on day three of the Bombela Concession Company SA National (25m) Championships in Pietermaritzburg on Saturday.
Thompson (Top image) has already collected three national titles at these championships and added two more on Saturday, in the 50m freestyle, which she won in 24.19 seconds, just five hundredths of a second off the national record, and the 100m backstroke in 58.34 seconds.
“I think in the 50, you don’t have time to think – that’s the beauty about the races. It’s more just trusting in your training and you can’t think about it – your body goes into autopilot,” said the Johannesburg swimmer.
Speaking about racing national short course record holder Cailtin de Lange, who finished second in the freestyle in 24.65, Thompson added: “Caitlin is such an incredible swimmer, especially in the sprint free event so swimming against her I knew I had to be on my best game, top form and it was really nice having her next to me so I could get that extra push.”
Meanwhile, after a year of battling back from injury, illness and numerous disappointments, Van Niekerk (Image below) looked to be in a much happier place as she added the 50m breaststroke title to the 100m gold she won on the opening day of competition. The 22-year-old took the win in a time of 30.04 seconds and while she was hoping for a sub-30-second time, she said afterwards: “I can just take this as a positive. It’s faster than I went at worlds last year, so it’s baby steps. Rome wasn’t built in a day, so we’re getting there.”
As for the mental aspect, the double Commonwealth Games champion added: “I’ve just got back to why I started swimming in the beginning and I’m really enjoying it again. I love going to training every day and at least I’m enjoying racing again. There was a stage last year where I was scared of racing, so it’s good. It means I’m improving as a person and I’m getting back there.”
Chris Smith took the men’s 50m backstroke title in 26.31 seconds, but said afterwards, he wasn’t expecting too much more from himself in terms of the time.
“I think it was good, especially for this time of year. It’s a bit more than half a second away from my personal best time, but overall I’m happy,” he said afterwards.
In the absence of Chad le Clos, Tai Pearson finally got his hands on two gold medals on Saturday – in the 100m backstroke and 200m individual medley. He took the win in the 100m backstroke in 53.29 seconds and followed that up with the IM gold in 2:01.49.
After several second places to the returning Le Clos, Pearson admitted he was pleased to finally have topped the podium.
“It’s been hard the past two days racing Chad in my events because I’m a butterfly swimmer, and freestyle, so I came second in three events and he came first, so I’m really happy with getting the double now,” said the 18-year-old. “It was a tough one, so the legs are definitely hurting.”
Duné Coetzee returned to winning ways in the 400m freestyle, winning in a time of 4 minutes 11.38 seconds. Having recently moved back to Pretoria after finishing her studies in the USA, the 23-year-old has been pleased with her progress.
“I’ve only been swimming with Rocco [Meiring] for about two months, so I’m really happy with all my solid performances… This meet was just kind of to see where I’m at and what we need to do in training, so I’m very happy,” she said.
The men’s 400m freestyle title went to Matthew Caldwell, who won in 3:48.47.
Keira van Heerden made a return to the podium, completing an individual medley double, adding to her 400m IM gold by holding off a fast-finishing Georgia Els to win the 200m event in 2:14.79.
And there was a first-ever national title for Armand Landmann, who won the 50m freestyle in 22.09 seconds.
The Bombela Concession Company SA National (25m) Championships in Pietermaritzburg will come to an end on Sunday.
