Swimmer Muhammed Adam gears up for aQuellé Midmar Mile

JOHANNESBURG - Muhammed Adam is gearing up for the aQuellé Midmar Mile, which is 10 days away.

The exciting showdown at the world’s largest open-water race takes place in KwaZulu-Natal from 6-9 February.

In 2009, the Midmar Mile was officially recognised by Guinness World Records as the largest open-water swimming event in the world. There were 13,755 finishers that year.

"The Midmar Mile is more than just an open-water race, it’s an annual event that I’m fortunate to be a part of. It’s a weekend filled with quality time spent with family and swimming friends, and, of course, the excitement of fast, competitive racing, which is what makes it so special. Beyond that, I look forward to seeing my hard work and consistent training pay off, as it’s a rewarding reminder of the dedication I’ve put in," said Adam.

The athlete was destined to be in the water with his mother having been a swimmer and now a coach. He started swimming at age 3 and naturally progressed to competing at the age of 9.

"I swam my first Midmar Mile when I was nine years old, and over the years, I’ve learned a lot about myself, particularly about my competitive nature and how to handle both victory and defeat. In terms of the race itself, I’ve come to understand the importance of proper preparation. The race truly begins the night before, with a good night’s sleep, healthy, nutritious meals, and plenty of hydration. These lessons have been invaluable in helping me perform at my best."

He tells EWN that over the years, he has learned that consistency is key. Completing tough training sets, swimming in the cold, waking up early, and sacrificing time with family and friends are all essential building blocks that shape the athlete you become.

"I’ve also realised that maintaining a positive mindset and keeping a hopeful outlook on my swimming, no matter the outcome is crucial for long-term success in the sport. It not only helps with longevity but also makes the day-to-day challenges easier to navigate."

The swimmer's training includes 10 swimming sessions and two gym sessions, with each swim averaging around 7km. Thus, the swimmer swims 65km to 70km per week.

"My favourite moment at the Midmar Mile over the years has to be the year I swam the 8-Mile Challenge. This involves swimming every race at the event to raise money for charity. I chose to support the NSRI (National Sea Rescue Institute), and knowing that my swimming could make a meaningful impact on the world is something I’m incredibly proud of. It was a truly rewarding experience that combined my passion for swimming with a greater purpose."

The elite men’s and women’s races will take place on Sunday, 9 February and will conclude four days of swimming.