Tuks’s swimmers certainly made their presence felt during the South African Open Water Championships in Jeffreys Bay, winning the men’s and women’s 10 and 5km events.
Through his heroics, the 19-year-old Ruan Breytenbach proved that when the going gets tough, the tough get going by winning the men’s 10km and 5km events. It should be noted it is the first time ever that he competed in a 10km race.
The Tuks swimmer admits he was a bit nervous before “diving” in a moment of honesty.
“My adrenaline was pumping from the first stroke in the 10km race. It led to me taking an early lead. I actually wanted to get a good first turn. After that, I settled into a rhythm. Connor Buck (Midmar Mile winner) caught up and passed me. At one stage, he was about 15 metres ahead. I had my work cut out to catch up. We sort of worked together to ensure we stayed in front.”
Breytenbach timed “final assault” to perfection, accelerating at the right moment to outsprint Buck. He won in 1:58:14 with Buck second in 1:58:26. By winning, Breytenbach might have done enough to be selected for the World Open Water Championships in Seychelles. (1-4 September).
