CAPE TOWN – Considered one of the fastest professional open water swimmers in the world, Durban's Chad Ho is hoping for a successful title defence on Sunday when he takes on the 4th annual Sanlam Cape Mile at the Eikenhof Dam in Elgin, Grabouw.
Ho’s 3rd attempt at the Cape Mile saw him clinch gold in a lightning fast time of 17 minutes 48 seconds in 2017.
“I enjoy open water swimming because it is a mysterious sport,” says Ho. “I love that it is unpredictable. Not knowing what the outcome will give me an extra adrenaline rush.
“I was thrilled with my performance in 2017. I finally managed to win. I am hoping to repeat my performance in 2018. I don’t go into races with a strategy in mind. I will just remain focused on my stroke, my sighting and my capabilities on the day.”
Ho will face tough competition from 2016 winner, Myles Brown. Brown placed 4th at the Cape Mile in 2017.
“I was a little disappointed with my performance in 2017,” admits Brown. “I struggled with the conditions, but still had a great time. My strategy for race day is to stick to my strengths.”
For the first time since the event’s inception, Danie Marais will not be towing the line with Ho and Brown at the Cape Mile.
“I broke my collarbone while surfing,” says Marais. “I am really devastated that I won’t be competing this year. I’ve been training really hard for the 2018 race. My heart was set on claiming gold this year. I will definitely be back next year for the win.”
Michelle Weber will be leading the field in the women’s elite race. Weber claimed gold at the Cape Mile in 2015 and 2016.
In 2017 she had to settle for second place behind Ashley Twitchell.