Warm welcome for Minke after success in Turkey

GEORGE NEWS - With her blonde ponytail and wide smile, Down syndrome swimming champion Minke Janse van Rensburg (19) eagerly hugged her fans at the George Airport last Wednesday, 27 March when she arrived back home from the Trisome Games world swimming championships in Turkey.

Five medals were draped around her neck as she held up the South African flag together with fellow swimmers of Garden Route Swimming School, coaches, friends and family members who came to meet her at the airport.

Among her supporters is Heinrich Muller, who raised R90 700 for Down syndrome swimmers from South Africa to participate in the world swimming championships.

He swam accross six lakes and completed 100km by mountain bike for this fundraiser. "I am so grateful I could do something for Minke and Savanna. It was so worth it," he said.

PHOTO GALLERY: Minke terug verwelkom na oorwinning in Turkye

Minke won five medals at the Trisome Games - three gold (50m freestyle, 100m freestyle and 200m freestyle) and two silver (50m and 100m butterfly). She also improved one of her own world records in the 50m freestyle event.

Savanna Haselau (18), another Down syndrome swimmer from George who participated in the Trisome Games, drastically improved her times at the event. She did not qualify for any of the finals. Savanna arrived in George later the same evening. Savanna and Minke both train at Garden Route Swimming School.

A warm welcome from friends, family and sponsors at George Airport. Minke Janse van Rensburg (front, third from the left) shows one of the placards that was made for her return to George. Photo: Michelle Pienaar

"With faith, anything is possible," said Minke's coach, Franna Vorster.

"Faith is being sure of things you hope for, and convinced of things you cannot see. Minke definitely summed up the word 'faith' with these world championships."

Proud coach Franna Vorster, Minke Janse van Rensburg (19) and a school and swim friend, Lochner Bekker (29). Photo: Michelle Pienaar