Some of the world’s greatest open water swimmers are among a record field of about 400 at the extreme, 7.5km Cadiz Freedom Swim from Robben Island to Blouberg on 7 and 8 May.

The Cadiz Freedom Swim is one of the toughest swim events of its kind in the world due to the icy ocean (around 13°C), strong currents and various other conditions. The event also celebrates South Africa’s Freedom Day while raising funds for Vista Nova School for children with learning disabilities.

Cadiz CEO, Ram Barkai, a veteran extreme swimmer and founder of the International Ice Swimming Association, said about 60 development swimmers from the Cape Flats, supported by the Cadiz Open Water Swimming Development, are among the field.

“This is a dream come true for our swimmers,” said the chairman of the Phoenix Open Water Swimming Development Club. “To rise above the challenges facing disadvantaged communities and to participate in one of the world’s greatest extreme swim races is incredibly empowering and inspirational for our community,” he added.

Barkai also announced that Bulgaria’s Petar Stoychev is among the participants and is arguably the most successful marathon swimmer of the last decade. He joins Australian sensation Trent Grimsey (multiple ocean race champion), Israel’s Daniel Katzir (two-times Israel open water champion) and South Africans Tyron Venter (multiple Cadiz Freedom Swim winner), Terence Parkin (Olympic silver medalist) and Barend Nortje (fastest South African across the English Channel) in the line-up for one of the most thrilling extreme ocean swim races in the world.

Top female international champions, Jen Schumacher (US) and Nuala Muir (UK), will be pitted against local favourites Lisa Cowling and Jenny White for honours in the women’s race.

The overall winner of the solo category will walk away with a whopping US$10 000 – one of the biggest cash prize in open water swimming in the world. And, the first non-wetsuit relay team across the line will take home US$5 000 – a record open water relay prize in South Africa. Speedo SA, Marcus Rohrer Spirulina and the Western Cape Provincial Government are the event’s main sub-sponsors.

The event is rated among the top 100 open water swims in the world (see: Worlds Top 100 open water swims) and a field of about 140 solos and 260 relay swimmers is expected.

Solos participate in a cap, goggles and a standard Speedo costume only and are totally exposed to the elements. Every solo swimmer and relay team must be accompanied by a support vessel with a second watching closely for signs of hypothermia. Strict safety measures and qualifying criteria are a characteristic of this event and a mini-hospital is set up by Medi-Clinic for swimmer recovery at the finish.

Barkai said the Cadiz Freedom Swim was an important event on the global open water swimming calendar and was one of South Africa’s most unique sports events with massive growth potential.

“This event celebrates South Africa’s freedom and the role played by Robben Island in achieving democracy in South Africa. The Island is an integral partner,” Barkai added.

Other local big names this year include: Theodore Yach, Herman van der Westhuizen, Andrew Chin, Ryan Stramrood, Liz Webb, Tony Sellmeyer, Kieron Palframan, Phillip Chappell, Monika Hayes, and Barkai himself who holds a Guiness World record for an Antarctic lake swim (1°C) in 2008. Also expected is blind swimmer Hein Wagner and at least two shark attack survivors – one of them Paralympics swimming sensation Achmat Hassiem.

Hassiem, who lost part of his right leg in a shark attack in 2006 and who participated in the solo category last year has entered the relay category and he and his team have their sights on the US$5 000 relay prize.

“This is one of the most intense and extreme swim races I have ever done and it’s an amazing swim,” said Hassiem. “The fact that you get such a huge sense of accomplishment at the end of the race in such extreme temperatures makes it more than just a swim from Robben Island to Blouberg. It’s a massive sense of personal achievement and all for a great cause,” he added.

Swim info is available on (Cadiz freedom Swim) or from Craig Doonan (organiser) on 021 785 3683 or Robert Thompson (Cadiz) 021 657 8440.

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