Minke and Lochner gear up for Portugal

SPORT NEWS - After an incredible Sasa-II national event in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, Hennie Janse van Rensburg and his family returned to George beaming with pride.

His daughter, Minke (21), and her friend, Lochner Bekker (31), both of the Garden Route Swim School, have been selected to represent South Africa at the Down Syndrome Swimming World Championships in Portugal this November.

Over 100 swimmers competed at the event in Mbombela.

"Minke was unstoppable," said Hennie. "She wasn't just named the women's swimmer of the event, she was the overall best swimmer of the competition."

To top it off, Minke also won the national women's singles table tennis tournament and, alongside Gauteng player Pieter Stark, claimed the mixed doubles title.

Minke Janse van Rensburg waits for other swimmers to finish after winning the 800m freestyle race.

Lochner had an outstanding meet as well, winning 11 medals, including a gold in the 100m breaststroke, which Hennie described as "a particularly challenging stroke for many swimmers with Down syndrome."

The Sasa-II event was Bekker's second such competition. "He was very determined to make the team for Portugal and remained highly dedicated and focused throughout the competition," said his mum, Bleida. "His hard work with coach DK, under the guidance of Franna Vorster from the Garden Route Swim School, had paid off."

Minke and Lochner concluded their training sessions in Skukuza, where they enjoyed the wildlife and the fresh air.

"We are so grateful for the time we could spend together and are proud of both our young athletes," said Hennie. "The national federation creates such wonderful opportunities each year for people with Down syndrome to compete at this level."

Lochner and Minke at the pool.