Swimmers off to Fina World Championships

Rudi Bowe 

Three Namibian swimmers will represent the country at the 18th FINA World Championships from the 12 – 28 July in Gwangju, South Korea.

This World Championships comprises of 6 different Aquatic events, being Synchronised Swimming, Open Water Swimming, Water Polo, Swimming, Diving and High Diving.
The swimmers are Phillip Seidler from the coastal town of Swakopmund, Alexander Skinner and Ronan Wantenaar have received their Namibian Colours are part of the 2623 Athletes that will be representing 194 different competing Nations.
Alexander will be competing in the 100m Free-style & 50m Freestyle, Ronan in the 100m breaststroke and 200m Individual Medley and Phillip Seidler, who is our Open Water Swimmer, will be competing at the Yeosu EXPO Ocean Park, South Korea, in the 10Km open water swim.
Alexander and Ronan will be joined by their team coach, Ryan Skinner and Phillip Seidler will have his coach Helmut Seidler. They are also represented by Sonja Skinner who is the team manager.
“Phillip who arrived earlier in Yeosu to acclimate his training in South Korea said that the current conditions are rainy and choppy water, however with Phillip being a Jetty Mile expert – these conditions will work in his favour. His mom Nadja Seidler said “the rougher the better”.
Namibian Swimming Union Executive member Nicky McNamara said “Our athletes have trained hard and are mentally ready for this opportunity.
McNamara added that NASU wishes them well on their adventure and that they should make themselves and the country proud.
The 3rd Short Course Gala that started yesterday in Swakopmund and today in Windhoek and Oranjemund will end tomorrow. The Gala’s are definitely growing. The last Short course gala increase by approximately 75 swimmers. We also had 3 records broken by Jose Canjulo has broken 3 records and 1 by Corné Le Roux in the previous Gala events.
McNamara said “We are proud that swimming is on the increase – it is a fantastic sport for body and mind”.