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Caldwell and Lötter Claim Maiden Midmar Mile titles

Adnaan MohamedNews, SwimmingLeave a Comment on Caldwell and Lötter Claim Maiden Midmar Mile titles

Matthew Caldwell and Callan Lötter claimed their maiden aQuellé Midmar Mile titles in 2026 through two contrasting but equally decisive performances, showcasing tactical intelligence, fearless execution and open-water mastery.

In the elite men’s contest, Caldwell didn’t just swim the mile, he drew his own map across it. While the front pack surged ahead like a tightly packed shoal, the Johannesburg swimmer peeled off to the right, choosing solitude over the slipstream. It looked risky, even reckless. In reality, it was calculated calm.

Caldwell had boldly predicted before the start that the podium would feature himself, Henré Louw and French Olympian Damien Joly. True to script, the trio, joined early by Connor Albertyn, took control. But as confusion crept into Joly’s navigation around the hotspot markers, Caldwell stayed committed to his wide, lonely arc.

Matthew Caldwell wins 2026 Midmar Mile Photo: Midmar Mile

“I just needed to be as wide as possible, not close to anyone. I just didn’t want to be in sight. I wanted to be like an invisible person swimming there,” Caldwell said. “So the plan was just swim my own race in clean water.”

That invisible line carried him home first in 18:32, with Louw second in 18:42 and Albertyn third in 18:44. Joly faded to fourth in 18:51.

“It’s lovely. I’ve been wanting this for a few years now,” Caldwell added. “Henré, myself and Connor on the podium, that’s perfect, that’s how it should be with South Africa on top.”

If Caldwell’s race was about subtlety, Lötter’s was pure authority. Battling rough conditions, the 19-year-old attacked early in the elite women’s race, stretching the field like elastic snapping under pressure. By 400m she was clear; by halfway she led by 12 seconds; by the final marker the gap had ballooned to 19.

She touched the finish in 19:51, while the duel behind her simmered. Former champion Stephanie Houtman claimed second in 20:02, with Carli Antonopoulos third in 20:07. The trio was more than a minute ahead of the rest.

“My plan was to go out comfortable and see where the rest of the people were,” Lötter explained. “And then my plan was only to start building from 400m onwards.”

“It feels really good. It just shows that my training has been working and I’m really happy with how I performed today,” she added, crediting her coach. “Troy has helped me a lot and given me the confidence and made me enjoy the sport again.”

Callan Lotter wins Photo: Midmar Mile

Beyond the elite battles, Midmar’s deeper currents told stories of endurance and legacy. Reino von Wielligh and Gary Albertyn completed the formidable challenge of swimming 32 miles over four days, each marking their 30th Midmar Mile with age-group victories from Von Wielligh in 20:58 (31–40) and Albertyn in 21:18 (51–60).

“It’s something I wanted to do because of my age, 32, 32 miles, raise R32,000,” said Von Wielligh. “I think it was very symbolic.”

The finish line also welcomed legends: seven-time champion and record holder Chad Ho, and 1997 winner Robyn Bradley (now Minogue), who returned after 30 years abroad to finish fourth in her age group.

“It’s a phenomenal swim,” Bradley said. “Just the organisation and how it’s put together. It’s just incredible.”

At Midmar, some swimmers win by disappearing, others by breaking away, but all leave ripples that last long after the water settles.

Top 10 Results

Elite Women

  1. Callan Lötter – 19:51
  2. Stephanie Houtman – 20:02
  3. Carli Antonopoulos – 20:07
  4. Kirsty Andraos – 21:12
  5. Kiara Banks – 21:14
  6. Sasha-Lee Hemmens – 21:15
  7. Zuria Venter – 21:15
  8. Samantha Randle – 21:42
  9. Megan Shepherd – 21:47
  10. Leah Markgraaff – 21:51

Elite Men

  1. Matthew Caldwell – 18:32
  2. Henré Louw – 18:42
  3. Connor Albertyn – 18:44
  4. Damien Joly – 18:51
  5. Sven van der Linde – 19:27
  6. Wian Bartleman – 19:42
  7. Carter Markgraaff – 19:45
  8. James Kewley – 19:47
  9. Luan Terblanche – 19:52
  10. Shane van der Linde – 19:56

For full results, visit www.finishtime.co.za.

Making waves at Midmar: Louw and Caldwell front SA’s men’s charge

Adnaan MohamedNews, SwimmingLeave a Comment on Making waves at Midmar: Louw and Caldwell front SA’s men’s charge
By Adnaan Mohamed

Like two powerful swimmers sighting the buoy and surging with intent, Henré Louw and Matthew Caldwell are set to lead South Africa’s men’s charge at the 2026 aQuellé Midmar Mile, determined to stop the foreign tide from washing over the podium for a third straight year.

With New Zealander Louis Clark (2025 winner) and Australian Nick Sloman (2024 champion) absent from the starting pontoon, the waters look ripe for a local breakthrough. But standing like a steady cross-current is three-time French Olympian Damien Joly, whose presence adds an unmistakable edge to the 5–8 February showdown.

Caldwell, who finished third last year, has no hesitation in calling his shot, speaking with the calm certainty of a swimmer who trusts his stroke count.

“I think I’ll call it now: top three, not in order, but top three will be amongst Henré Louw, Damien Joly, the French swimmer, and myself,” said Caldwell.

“We will be fighting for first, second, and third, us three, I think. That’s my opinion. There are a lot of other swimmers that are looking good at the moment, but right now I think in my books that’s the top three.”

Louw, twice the bridesmaid at Midmar, agrees that Joly is a major threat, but believes the race will be deeper than just three names treading water at the front.

“There are still other good guys like Sven van der Linde, who’s also going to be there, and there are a few guys that definitely can show up on the day, like Connor Albertyn as well,” Louw said.

“But I reckon that’s going to be the five guys in the mix that’s going to be really racing for the win.”

The numbers back him up. Connor Albertyn and Sven van der Linde finished fifth and sixth respectively in 2025, but the pair tasted silver and bronze the year before, proving how quickly fortunes can change in open water where tactics ebb and flow.

For Louw, the focus is on sharpening the final surge, the moment where races at Midmar are often won or lost like a perfectly timed kick at the wall.

“Last year I did not finish as well as I wanted to finish,” he admitted.

“I think my last 400 meters last year was a bit of an issue, like I didn’t pick up my kick rate and my stroke rate as much as I should have.”

He knows that at Midmar, execution is everything, from pacing to positioning.

“And just exiting really well is also something I would definitely have to focus on if I want to beat these guys.
At Midmar, some years, the one line is faster than the other line. So you’re definitely going to have a few practice swims to see how well you can execute the race.”

Caldwell recently edged Louw with a cleaner exit during the final seeding swim in Midrand, a detail that could loom large when the dam turns into a boiling cauldron of arms and spray. Confidence, though, flows freely through his camp.

“I’ve been training very hard and the results will show,” he said. “They’ll be good. They’ll be good.”

Beyond the medals and margins, it’s the Midmar magic that keeps drawing him back, year after year.

“Just the people, the experience, just the environment. It’s a very nice weekend away. Nice place, good food, good people, good music. The weekend’s just lovely. I love the racing as well.”

Online entries for the 2026 aQuellé Midmar Mile have now closed. Swimmers still hoping to dive in can enter on the day at Midmar Dam, but are advised to arrive early as places are limited.

For more information, visit www.midmarmile.com

Olympic Heavyweight Damien Joly Dives into 2026 Midmar Mile

Adnaan MohamedNews, SwimmingLeave a Comment on Olympic Heavyweight Damien Joly Dives into 2026 Midmar Mile
By Adnaan Mohamed

The ripples around Midmar Dam are already growing, and February is still weeks away. French swimming starDamien Joly has confirmed he will line up at the 2026 aQuellé Midmar Mile, injecting Olympic pedigree into one of the world’s most iconic open-water swims from 5–8 February in KwaZulu-Natal.

A three-time Olympian and Olympic finalist, Joly’s entry adds another powerful current to a race famed for blending elite speed with mass-participation spirit. Like a seasoned marathon swimmer slipping from the calm of the pool into open water, the Frenchman is relishing the challenge of something different.

Damien Joly

“The Midmar Mile is a very well-known race in South Africa, and I was happy to be invited to take part. It’s a great opportunity to race in a different environment, experience a new competition format, and enjoy a strong and passionate swimming community,” Joly said.

The aQuellé Midmar Mile annually draws thousands of swimmers from nervous first-timers to hardened professionals, all funnelled into the same stretch of water. Joly has long heard that the event’s atmosphere swells like a tide.

“I’ve heard that it’s much more than just a race,” he explained. “The crowd, the energy around the dam, and the number of participants make it very special. It’s also known for being extremely competitive at the front while remaining very inclusive, which is quite unique.”

South Africa is familiar water for Joly. He previously trained in Johannesburg and Pretoria, and his memories extend beyond the pool deck.

“I also had the opportunity to visit the country and go on safari, which were incredible experiences. It’s a beautiful country, and everything went really well during my time there,” he recalled.

At 33, Joly arrives with a résumé as deep as the endurance events he dominates. Beyond three Olympic appearances, he is a 2022 World Short Course Championships silver medallist and European Championships bronze medallist in the 1500m freestyle, and the French national record holder in the event — credentials that mark him as a front-pack threat.

Yet for Joly, Midmar is not just about chasing the fastest line through the water.

“I’m really looking forward to racing in such a legendary event and feeling that atmosphere first-hand. Competing against strong international swimmers in an open water setting like Midmar is something I’m very motivated by,” he said.

Asked about his winning prospects, Joly struck a balance between confidence and caution, the hallmark of an experienced open-water racer.

“I always approach races with confidence in my preparation, but also with a lot of respect for my competitors. Open water racing can be unpredictable, so the focus is on executing a smart race and giving my best on the day.”

What truly sets the Midmar Mile apart, in Joly’s eyes, is its rare ability to hold elite intensity and community warmth in the same stroke.

“That’s one of the things that makes Midmar so special. To share the same start line with first timers, passionate amateurs, and elite athletes is a reminder of why we swim in the first place: for the love of the sport and the challenge it brings.”

Beyond podiums and placings, the Frenchman sees the event as a chance to broaden his horizons.

Damien Joly (L) claims silver at 2022 world short course champs

“I hope to gain experience, memories, and inspiration. Racing at Midmar is also an opportunity to step out of my usual competitive environment and grow as an athlete and as a person.”

With Joly now confirmed, the 2026 aQuellé Midmar Mile promises to be a meeting of global class and grassroots passion, a vast, shared lane where Olympic currents mingle with everyday courage.

Entries for the 2026 aQuellé Midmar Mile remain open at www.midmarmile.com.