Teen swimmer Chris Savvas impresses at Midmar Mile

Chris Savvas (15) from Welkom delivered a robust performance at the 53rd annual aQuellé Midmar Mile, completing the internationally well-known 1.6km open-water swim in 27 minutes and 57 seconds.

While top professional swimmers usually complete the distance in 18 to 20 minutes, finishing in under 30 minutes is considered a strong result for non-elite competitors.

Chris’ time of 27:57 places him ahead of many swimmers, as a substantial number of the competitors finishes between 30 and 45 minutes. According to experts, his result reflects an elevated level of fitness and solid open-water skills and technique.

Before the race, Chris – who trains with the Welkom Super Seals Swim Club – said he felt a mix of excitement and nerves. “I was excited but also nervous because it was my first Midmar Mile and there were so many swimmers,” he said. The aQuellé Midmar Mile has grown from 153 swimmers in 1974 to over 20,000 annually.

Training played a significant role in Chris’ preparation. “We swim more than a mile every day at training, and once a month we swim a full mile non-stop, so I knew I could finish,” he explained.

Chris, son of Angelique and Savvas Savvas, and a learner at Welkom-Gimnasium, spoke about how open-water swimming differs from pool racing. “Open water swimming is vastly different, especially with the crowds and conditions at Midmar. But once I found my rhythm, I really enjoyed the swim.” After postponing his Midmar Mile plans in 2025 due to a busy competition schedule, Chris told himself completing the race in 2026: “This is it – and I am really glad I did it.”

Deur Petra de Blom