Namibia’s Young Swimmers Shine at Record-Breaking Open Water Event in Swakopmund

Namibia’s Young Swimmers Shine at Record-Breaking Open Water Event in Swakopmund. Namibia’s emerging swimming talent delivered standout performances at the third annual Minaqua Team Flippy Open Water Splash, held at Mole Beach in Swakopmund on Tuesday, 23 December. The event attracted its largest turnout since inception, highlighting the growing popularity of open water swimming in the country.

More than 80 swimmers took part, marking a record level of participation for the three-year-old competition. Athletes across multiple age categories competed, with young swimmers featuring prominently throughout the results.

The highlight of the event came in the individual two-kilometre race, where 16-year-old Madison Bergh claimed an overall victory. Bergh finished ahead of all competitors in the field, crossing the line first in a time of 22 minutes and 49 seconds. Her performance stood out as one of the defining moments of the day.

Team events also delivered competitive racing. In the two-person team category, teenage cousins James Langford and Oelof Badenhorst secured first place with a combined time of 22 minutes and 2 seconds. The four-person team race was won by Race the Tide, made up of Aiden Diehl, Marcel Diehl, Dylan Cowley and Harry Kibble, who completed the course in 26 minutes and 14 seconds.

To-organiser Philip Seidler said the strong performances by younger swimmers were a notable feature of this year’s competition. He said the event brought together swimmers already competing at national and international level alongside an emerging group of younger athletes.

The race course followed a triangular ocean route of approximately 450 metres per lap. Individual swimmers completed four laps to cover the two-kilometre distance, while team races used a tag format. The programme concluded with a children’s swim, supported by parents and lifesavers.

With record participation and strong performances across all categories, the Minaqua Team Flippy Open Water Splash continues to establish itself as a key event on Namibia’s swimming calendar.