Young triathlete bags silver in Namibia

GEORGE NEWS - Wilderness triathlete Karli Lötter returned from Swakop-mund, Namibia, earlier this week with a silver medal after competing in the Africa Triathlon Cup on Saturday 21 March.

This 17-year-old said she thoroughly enjoyed the race.

"I'm really happy with how I performed. The swim was tough, and the water was very cold. I feel the running was the strongest part of my race," she said.

Karli, one of South Africa's brightest young triathlon prospects, was one of just two junior women representing the country at the event, alongside her teammate, Taylor Foster from KwaZulu-Natal.

She was also the only athlete representing Eden, supported by coach Riana Robertson.

The event combines a scenic but challenging coastal course, starting with a swim in the Atlantic Ocean, followed by cycling through the streets of the city, and finishing with a sprint along the coastline.

Karli Lötter was barely home before she headed out for a practice swim on Monday afternoon. Photos: Jeff Ayliffe