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Telkom South African SC Champs - Day 3 Report

Sep 4, 2004  - Neville Smith

More Records Tumble in the Strand

Ryk Neethling and Melissa Corfe continued their fine form on the third day of the Telkom South Africa Short Course Championships currently underway at the Strand Municipal Pool. Neethling (Seals), who had a busy evening, claimed the continental mark in the 100m IM when he looped ,60 off fellow Olympic gold medallist Roland Schoeman's 2003 mark of 54.55 when he posted an impressive 53.95.

Swimming in his third event of the evening, the crowd favorite confirmed his status as the journeyman of South African swimming, producing what can only be described as an awesome display of power. He led from the gun and despite the close attentions of Swiss national Alain Tardin through the first three laps, his run in to the finish was spectacular much to the delight of the capacity crowd.

Tardin claimed the silver in a time of 56.17 with Eugene Hulley of Stingrays heading the chasing pack in a time of 56.17.

The 800m freestyle for ladies followed. With the crowd still buzzing after Neethlings performance it was Melissa Corfe(Mr. Price Seagulls) who provided a spectacular encore.

Off the blocks in a flash, it was clear that Corfe was a lady on a mission as she raced the clock leaving the rest of the field in her wake. At the 400 mark she was a mere 5 seconds off her continental mark established on Friday night and the crowd sensed they were about to witness something special.

Maintaining consistency is the secret to efficient and effective distance racing and Melissa once again proved that she is without a doubt South Africa's most promising and versatile female swimmer cruising to a new continental mark of 8:30.11 to slice 2.07 off her mark set just two weeks ago at a Kwa Zulu Natal meet.

The race for the minor placing was keen as Kathryn Meaklim (Kloof) claimed silver in a time of 8:41.56, while Bianca Meyer of Tuks secured bronze in a time of 8:44.79.

The finals of the 50m eliminations started the evening off and it was sprint ace Lauren Roets (Dolphins) who squared up against the promising Tanya Strydom (Seals) in the ladies 50m freestyle.

Roets maintained the fine form she has shown at these championships when she claimed the title in 25.87 with Strydom posting a 26.23.

Next up it was the men's 50m freestyle and it was Ryk Neethling who posted a 21.77 well ahead Gregory Widmer (Waterborn) (23.53) to claim yet another title at these championships.

Charlene Wittstock (Tuks) has shown a welcome return to form after an indifferent beginning to the year, when she posted a 28.81 well ahead of Romy Altmann's (Matties) 29.81.

The men's 50m butterfly followed with Ryk Neethling squaring up against George du Rand (SuperSport). Showing good form Neethling added this title to his array with a convincing victory in a time of 23.88. du Rand was however visibly disappointed with his effort of 24.80.

Fifteen minutes later, after a medal presentation and a