The Flamingo Aquatics Club from Kimberley delivered a showstopping performance at the recent SA Schools Swimming Championships, leading the Northern Cape to its best showing in decades with a haul of 20 medals — a massive leap from the five won in total over the past four years.
Image: Danie van der Lith
Kimberley’s Flamingo Aquatics Club delivered a showstopping performance at the recent SA Schools Swimming Championships, leading the Northern Cape to its best showing in decades.
The Province walked away with a haul of 20 medals – a massive leap from the five won in total over the past four years.
Of those 20 medals, a staggering 15 were earned by swimmers from Flamingo Aquatics, with the club also sharing in a 16th medal as part of a historic relay team podium finish – the first time in many years that the province has achieved such a feat in relay events.
Newly-appointed Flamingo Aquatics coach, Jaco Gous, was full of praise for his swimmers: “Every single one of our athletes swam personal bests in almost every race,” Gous said. “They didn’t just compete – they represented our club and province with pride and proved that heart and hard work can rival the resources of much larger provinces.
“I couldn’t be prouder,” he added.
The club’s achievements were headlined by two standout swimmers – Janco Grobbelaar and Dewet Gous – who each competed in the maximum six events allowed and medalled in every single one of them.
Dewet Gous emerged as the top male swimmer of the entire gala, earning the Victor Ludorum trophy with four golds, one silver, and two bronze medals.
Image: Supplied
Dewet Gous emerged as the top male swimmer of the entire gala, earning the Victor Ludorum trophy with four golds, one silver, and two bronze medals.
Grobbelaar followed closely as the second-best male swimmer with three golds, one silver, and three bronze medals to his name. Dewet's and Janco’s heroics extended into the relay event where Dewet opened with a strong first leg, handing over a lead that Janco fiercely defended in the final stretch.
They were joined by Le Roux Steyn and Stefan Luddik, both of whom swam massive personal bests to push the team into medal position in what was described by Coach Gous as “probably the race of the gala”.
Meanwhile, Nealyn Cupido turned in a courageous performance, winning three bronze medals, despite suffering a painful knee injury just before the gala after falling and cutting himself badly.
His resilience was applauded by teammates and coaches alike.
“Nealyn showed tremendous bravery,” said Gous. “For him to still come out and deliver medal-worthy swims in three events speaks volumes about his character.”
According to Gous, every swimmer from Flamingo Aquatics flew the flag high. “Our swimmers were ambassadors in and out of the pool. They raced their hearts out, supported one another, and made sure everyone knew who Flamingo Aquatics are.”
The club’s dominance is even more impressive when considering the size and resources of competing provinces. “We know we’re up against provinces with much bigger swimming programmes and support structures,” said Gous. “But this gala showed that the Northern Cape, and Flamingo Aquatics specifically, is ready to punch above its weight.”
With this landmark achievement, Flamingo Aquatics has elevated the standard of swimming in the Northern Cape as well as ignited a renewed sense of belief and excitement among the province’s sporting community.
Related Topics: