Swimming veterans trounce youngsters at Oanob Dam

OVER 120 swimmers took part in the Pointbreak Open Water Swim at Oanob Dam last Sunday. Participants had a choice of the 700 m rookie or 2,1 km endurance event. Event organisers otb Sport said they were very pleased with the turnout for this event and the growth over the years.

They said it was promising to see the number of participants in the u.13 age group as well as new faces, young and old, joining the swimming community and taking up the sport as a means to stay fit and healthy. The race delivered some surprise results with overall top positions in the main event, the 2.1 km swim, dominated by the veterans.

First to cross the line and overall winner of the 60 odd participants who partook in the 2.1 km swim was 40 year old veteran triathlete Mark Brinkmann in 31 minutes 47 seconds. Second across the line and winner of the 14-30 year category was 20 year old Stefan van Zyl in 31:55. In third position was another veteran, well-known Namibian triathlete and cyclist Tokkie Bombosch in 32:00. Ajad van Wyk, 17, was fourth across the line 57 seconds later.

The 48-year-old Paddy Murphy was the fifth finisher in 32:57 and Alex Skinner, 44, was in sixth position in a time of 33:00. Overall winner Mark Brinkmann had this to say about his race: “I had a good start and was hoping to keep up with the top veterans Paddy Murphy, Tokkie Bombosh and Alex Skinner.

After about 1.2 km, I was still with the second pack of swimmers. I am busy training for the Iron Man so my fitness level is good. I had the fitness and endurance to break away from the second pack and catch the leaders. With about 150 meters I thought if ever I am going to win an open water race this is it! So I went into an all out sprint and was rather incredulous to find myself not only having won the veteran category but being overall winner.

“To me it says practice produces wonders. You are never too old to wring out performances you did not think you were capable of.” Christine Briedenhann was the first female accross the line in a time of 33:08. She also won the 14-30 age category.

Christine had a comfortable 2min 13sec lead over second female Silke Bierbrauer. Godiva Beukes, 13, won the female 13 and under category in a time of 38:15. Alexander Skinner, 11, won the male 13 and under category in 38:13. The female 31 plus age category was won by Tamsin Bowra in a time of 38:24 with Charmaine Shannon in second position.

Main sponsor Pointbreak said it was proud to be associated with such a well-organised event which ensures that young and old are able to compete at a competitive level and still have fun. “We are not surprised that the Pointbreak Open Water Swim has gone from strength to strength as it is both a great sports event and family event.”