Karli's star shines brightly

GEORGE NEWS - The George area has always boasted a strong history in multisport endurance events, with the disciplines of swimming, cycling and running having produced some exceptional talent over the years.

In 2023, the future of triathlon looks once again to be in good hands.

Wilderness local and home schooler Karli Lötter was one of just two young girls to be selected to represent South Africa at the 2023 Africa Triathlon Championships that took place in Hurghada, Egypt, from Friday to Sunday, 13 to 15 October.

Karli, who turned 15 two days after the competition, showcased her trademark mental strength to take the gold in the u.15 age group of the super-sprint triathlon, and amazingly, she dominated the entire u.17 field as well.

Her journey into the competitive world of triathlon started at age eight, when she attended a youth development event hosted by Eden Triathlon. She immediately showed her promise, and by age 12, Karli was representing her province at national level.

When she was 14 years old, she took her first win for South Africa at the Africa Championships.

The 15-year-old triathlete Karli Lötter has her eyes set on the Olympic Games.

Garden Route event organiser Juan Botes runs timing and registration at local triathlon events, and he reiterated that one of Karli's biggest strengths is her mental approach. "She's a great athlete, lots of perseverance, and very self-motivated," said Botes.

He said that with such a rich history of senior triathletes from this area, Eden Triathlon Association began a big push to develop the youth a number of years ago - and that push is starting to pay dividends - with Karli now leading the charge of a new wave of young guns that are showing promise.

The technical and nutritional aspects of triathlon are immense, and Karli has a strong team that has supported her in her training, without whom she doesn't believe her journey would have been possible.

Karli Lötter during the 2023 Africa Triathlon Championships in Egypt earlier this month.

The Royal Swimming Academy has assisted her in the swim discipline, Eugene and Stephanie Roux of Cycleworx Sedgefield have added support in the area of cycling, and the Matrix Multi Sport's triathlon coaching team have also been with her every step of the journey.

Her other sponsors include TYR Sport Apparel, Core / Salt, 32GI and StretchingSA stretch therapists.

And the future? Karli has set her sights on the dream stage, the Olympic Games, and it will take a brave person to bet against that goal being achieved. Watch this space!

Karli was one of just two young girls to be selected to represent South Africa at the 2023 Africa Triathlon Championships.Photo: Jeff Ayliffe