David Staveley competed in the 22nd South African Masters Long Course Championships which were held at Sasolburg in mid March, where there were 400 competitors from S. Africa, 9 from Russia, 5 from Swaziland and one from Hythe Aqua! David Staveley happened to be working in Johannesburg at the time (and conveniently escaping the English winter) and it was just an 80 mile trip for David & his wife Gwen down to the championships. Davis said it was a really friendly affair with a real picnic atmosphere as we sat out on the grass around the 3 huge competition pools and all the competitors were provided with bulging ‘goody bags’ from various firms sponsoring the event. Also arranged were evening river cruises on the historic Vaal River, a splendid Dinner/Dance on the last evening and training seminars including one by double Olympic Gold Medallist Penny Heyns.
However, the competition did have some unusual aspects. 35 degree outside air temperature (and a pool temperature almost as high) together with an altitude of 5,500’ above sea level did not make for fast times. Backstroke was also quite hard with only a cloudless blue sky to try to keep straight on. However, David did manage to win 3 gold & 2 bronze medals in his age group and his 50 meter butterfly was a new S. African Record.

Next year’s championships are due to be held in Durban which is at sea level but even hotter. So if you want some winter sunshine in 2008 - to continue flying the flag for Hythe Aqua and to really enjoy some friendly competition - just see David for more details. However, we can all keep track of you – the organizers had the results of each event on the Internet within 5 minutes of the event finishing!’” Well done to David Staveley who is a nationally ranked member of the successful Hythe Aqua Masters Team.