Matthew Caldwell steadily climbing elite men's ranks at aQuellé Midmar Mile
The 18-year-old will be competing against New Zealand’s national 5km champion, Louis Clark, at the exciting showdown at the world’s largest open-water race takes place in KwaZulu-Natal from 6-9 February.
Matthew Caldwell has been steadily climbing his way up the elite men’s ranks at the aQuellé Midmar Mile in recent years. Picture: South African Sports images
JOHANNESBURG – Matthew Caldwell has been steadily climbing his way up the elite men’s ranks at the aQuellé Midmar Mile in recent years, finishing 11th in 2022, then breaking into the top 10 with a seventh place in 2023, and finishing in fourth spot last year.
Caldwell told EWN he was looking forward to competing again at the aQuellé Midmar Mile and looks forward to seeing his mates and being able to compete against them.
"I have learnt many lessons at the Midmar Mile. A few are to stay out of the pack, to keep your head down and swim your own race, be careful realigning your position, as I have previously been kicked doing so, trying to find the best line, but I haven't always got it right.”
Earlier this month, the Joburg swimmer dominated in two events at the final seeding swim at Prime View Adventure & Leisure in Midrand. He won the 3km race, winning in 34 minutes 36 seconds and the 1.2km event in 14:23.
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Matthew Caldwell has been steadily climbing his way up the elite men’s ranks at the aQuellé Midmar Mile in recent years. Picture: South African Sports images.
"I started swimming at about one year old at my crèche, as a life skill. I then went to swimming lessons at the Virgin Active gym when I was about 5. At about 10, my coach was encouraging me to swim age group galas. I realised I loved swimming when I started doing well at school galas. I then joined a club and my passion for swimming grew."
The 18-year-old will be competing against New Zealand’s national 5km champion, Louis Clark, at the exciting showdown at the world’s largest open-water race takes place in KwaZulu-Natal from 6-9 February.
"My most important message is to get out there and have fun. And to remember that good sportsmanship and fair play are important," said Caldwell.
The athlete has represented South Africa at the 2022 Open Water Championships, the 2022 Pool Swimming Junior World Championships in Peru, the 2023 Open Water World Championships and the 2024 Russia Salnikov Cup.
Matthew Caldwell has been steadily climbing his way up the elite men’s ranks at the aQuellé Midmar Mile in recent years. Picture: Action Photo SA.