Whatshot
Tough conditions in this year's Four Elements Ocean Challenge
Tough conditions in this year's Four Elements Ocean Challenge
"It was another fantastic event, although the conditions were definitely the toughest they've been since the first swim in 2014," said Four Elements Conservation CEO, Olivia Taylor. "There was a strong wind creating a big swell, particularly later in the morning, and the water was cold and choppy, but we still had 95 of the 120 entrants bravely participate, with only a handful not being able to complete the race."
Taylor said the safety officers from Durban Lifesaving Club were on hand throughout the event to ensure everyone's safety. The swimmers set off from the Harbour wall, Durban at 9am, braving the swells for 5 kilometres to Bike and Bean at the Country Club Beach. The first swimmer came in at 10.05am with the last swimmer closing the event at 11.30am.
Participants competed in three categories and spot prizes were also given out at the prize giving event held directly after the swim at Durban Surf Lifesaving Club.
Winners in the Open category were 2014 champion and previous SA swimming and surf lifesaving captain, Julian Taylor, in men's and Zoe Frank (14 years old) in women's, each receiving R3000 cash prize. Second place went to Nicholas Forsyth and Sasha-Lee Corris Nordengen with R2000 cash prize and third to Sanele Nxumalo - a South African lifesaver and last year's third-placed swimmer - and Lauren Bezuidenhout with R1000 each.
Taylor founded Four Elements Conservation NPC four years ago when she was just 14 years old. Through this internationally recognised organisation, Taylor runs a number of conservation initiatives, such as the Ocean Challenge, which raises funds for the Four Elements Environmental Scholarship awarded to eight environmentally-minded youth who go on an informative camp held in December/January.
This year's swim challenge raised an incredible R50000 for the second annual, four-day camp. "Entries for the camp will open on 21 June and I'm really looking forward to another worthwhile interaction where young South Africans are given the guidance to truly unlock their potential and make an impact on the environment around them," said Taylor.
Online entries can be found at https://www.fourelementsconservation.org.