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GEORGE NEWS - Rising Garden Route triathlon star Karli Lötter will once again wear the green and gold this weekend when she lines up at the Africa Triathlon Cup in Swakopmund, Namibia.
The 17-year-old Lötter heads into the event not only as one of South Africa’s brightest young prospects but also as one of just two South African junior women athletes competing at the race.
She is the only athlete representing Eden, alongside her teammate Taylor Foster (KwaZulu-Natal), coach Riana Robertson (Gauteng), and junior men’s team members Nicholas Horne (Gauteng), Antony Clayton (Gauteng) and Philip Theron (KwaZulu-Natal).
The Wilderness-based athlete has built an impressive résumé. She first discovered triathlon at the age of eight and quickly showed a natural affinity for the demanding three-discipline sport. By 12, she was already representing her province at national level.
Her breakthrough came in 2023 when she claimed gold at the Africa Triathlon Championships in Egypt in the U15 super sprint category. In a standout performance, Lötter not only secured the title but also produced times that would have placed her ahead of athletes in older age groups.
Since then, she has continued to rise through the ranks, earning regular selection for South African teams competing across Africa, including events in Zimbabwe and now Namibia.
The competitive edge has translated into results. In 2025, she finished second at a South African Cup event in Troutbeck, Zimbabwe, racing in the U19 division. More recently, she added another podium finish at African Cup level.
But for Lötter, the experience is about more than just racing. The young triathlete has developed a deep love for travel and the esprit de corps that comes with the sport. Competing across the continent has allowed her to explore new places, meet fellow athletes from different countries, and build friendships that go beyond the finish line. The event in Namibia is also one of her favourites.
Known for her composure and determination, Lötter is a well-rounded competitor, strong across swimming, cycling and running. She specialises in the fast-paced sprint format, where tactical awareness and mental resilience are key. She dreams of one day competing at Olympic level.
WATCH: Jeff Ayliffe caught up with Karli Lötter before she left for Namibia.
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