Golfers in the swing of things

Golfers Go Wild in South Africa

Ladies European Tour golfers Chloe Leurquin and Patricia Sanz Barrio experienced the ultimate rush when they launched themselves off the edge of Oribi Gorge ahead of the Cell C South African Women’s Open.

Both of the Ladies European Tour rookie golfers did the world’s highest gorge swing to claim their bragging rights on the eve of this week’s international golf tournament at San Lameer Country Club on the Hibiscus Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, south of Durban.

Leurquin, 24, from Waterloo Golf Club in Waterloo, Belgium, was fearless as she jumped from the edge of a cliff into a free fall from 165 metres before swinging through the breath taking scenery in the bottom of the gorge. She was followed by Sanz, 24, from RACE Golf Club in Madrid, Spain, who bravely overcame her last-minute apprehension. 

Years of sports psychology could not prepare the golfers for the ‘Wild 5 Adventure.’ Sanz said: “It was amazing. I cried a little bit, a little bit of excitement, but I would do it again. It was a great mental battle. In golf, you get nerves, but not real fear. You might miss a putt, but you’re not going to die or anything.”

Leurquin said: “I’m not very scared of heights and stuff, so I just did it, and the rope is just so heavy it’s pulling you down and when he says ‘1, 2, 3’, you just have to go. It was cool and I wish I could do it again! Doing this and golf… you just cannot compare it.”

After their adrenaline rush, the players enjoyed a sight-seeing visit and lunch at Leopard Rock, a stunning venue with an outside deck enjoying panoramic views over Oribi Gorge and just one and a half hours drive south of Durban.

Leurquin and Sanz are now both targeting their first wins on the Ladies European Tour in the €320,000, or R4.5 million, Cell C South African Women’s Open, which gets under way over four rounds of stroke play from Thursday to Sunday.

Leurquin, a graduate in Business and Mechanical Engineering, earned her first victory as a professional at the Mineks Ladies Classic in Turkey on the Ladies European Tour Access Series (LETAS) last year before finishing fourth on the order of merit to graduate to the main Ladies European Tour, where she has posted a best finish of tied 28^th at the Lacoste Ladies Open de France this season.

Sanz, a graduate in Biomedical Science, won the Grecotel Amirandes Ladies Open in Crete on LETAS last year and posted three second places, before finishing as the runner up on the order of merit. She also progressed to the Ladies European Tour this year, where she has recorded a season-best tie for 12^th at the Allianz Ladies Slovak Open presented by Respect.

Entry is free to the Cell C South African Women’s Open this week, with domestic television coverage on SABC and SuperSport.

Words and pix by Bethan Cutler

Chatting to Amateur Golfer, Lizzie Currie

Cell C SA Women’s Open

Lizzie Currie

On the last day of last week’s Golf Inter-Provincials in Cape Town, Port Shepstone’s young Lizzie Currie got a fantastic surprise, a phone call inviting her to participate in this week’s Cell C SA Women’s Open.

Catching up with the amateur golfer as she frantically fills in registration forms, she admits, “I am feeling super excited but on the same hand extremely nervous. It is such a wonderful opportunity; I would have been crazy to turn it down. I am going into the tournament to learn as much as possible.”

Continuing, the upbeat golfer says, “I am lucky that I have played the course a few times. My first time playing a round was actually at San Lameer.” She says with a chuckle. “I owned a set of golf clubs by my choice of sport at school was cricket. My cricket coach, Anthony Mulligan from Creston College came up to me and asked if I could help out the golf team as they were a player down. I agreed to it and the next day was playing my first round at San Lameer.”

“It was only after school when a friend of mine, David Rush suggested I have a session with Nicola Eaton who had returned from America and had started coaching. Let’s just say I was a natural. I still have so much to learn, at the moment I am working hard on my mental game and learning to build my confidence.”

Nearing the end of her second gap year after matriculating from Southcity, the determined sport star is planning on studying via correspondence. “I am going to be doing studying Business Management next year while helping my Mom out at her work.  The flexibility of correspondence allows me to focus both on working with Mom and getting hands on experience but also gives me the freedom to continue my dream of turning pro.”

“I remember watching my golfing hero, Lee-Anne Pace taking part in the SA Women’s Open in 2012. She fluffed a shot but her attitude and reaction remains with me to this day. She wasn’t ruffled; she smiled and was so positive that nothing was going to get her down, a lesson that we all can learn when curve balls are tossed at us. Her attitude was awesome.”

“I got to meet her and she autographed my book. When I was watching the tournament, she even remembered who I was and acknowledged me on the side lines. A true legend!”

Chatting to the South Coast legend in the making, she has the support of her entire family, “Everyone except my Mom plays golf, even my two nephews’ play – they are actually pretty good for their age. My older brother, Donovan is going to be on my bag which will be great having his support.”

On concluding, her advice that she lives by, “Never, never give up.”

We watch keenly as our local player takes on the worlds best this week and hope that she persists and does Port Shepstone proud!

Pix by Justin Klusener

Challenor takes the SPAR Women's 10km Run in Pietermaritzburg

SPAR Women’s 10/5km Race – Pietermaritzburg

The Oval, Pietermaritzburg: Sunday 8 September

Jenna Challenor annihilated the field with a massive lead of 3.35 in the SPAR Women’s 10km race held in Pietermaritzburg on Sunday in a time of 35.24.

From the start, 300m into the race Challenor looked to have a commanding position with the rest of the 3,200 runners filing in behind her.

“It was a windy, hot and dry race out on the road. The route was challenging, standing on the start line and we were all ready eyeing out the first hill. It was a testing up and down race; the hills of Maritzburg are tough!” Challenor commented after the race.

Continuing, the leading lady revealed, “This is my third big race on the trot, last weekend in Pretoria I gave it my all coming in fifth in the SPAR race. I felt strong but am fightening off the flu and have a niggling hamstring.”

Concluding, Challenor said, “There is a chance that I will be running in the SA Cross Country Champs in Potchefstroom next weekend but after the run today, my body is tired! Running three major races I wouldn’t mind a break.”

Pocket dynamite, Poppy Mlambo lost her title to the in-form Challenor, finishing second, “The race was ok, the conditions were hot and dry. I have been training in Durban for the last month, so have adjusted to the humidity but the berg wind was unforgiving.”

Mlambo has been concentrating on the longer distances this year, having competed in six marathons, she is preparing for the Soweto Marathon taking place in November.

In the 5km race, two seconds separated the first two ladies, young Fezeka Mchunu snatched victory from the defending champion Natascha Hartmann with a time of 20:43 on the clock, Hartmann finishing her run in 20:45.

The Race Director, Brad Glasspoole said, “We have had complimentary feedback about the new route; the reality is we will never have a fast and flat route in Pietermaritzburg, but we have tried to make it as easy as possible for the ladies.”

“Congratulations to all the athletes that turned out today. The enthusiasm shown at the race with so many bright and colourful people making an effort to dress up, fabulous to see! We had a very good turnout despite the blustery berg wind and dry and warm conditions. Thank you Pietermaritzburg for supporting us and helping us make out event so successful!” Rob Philipson, MD of SPAR KZN commented.

Over 3,200 runners took to the course around the Oval sporting precinct, 78 year old Joan Schoeman was the oldest runner to complete the 10km, finishing in a time of 1.36:20 while the youngest was Gcini Kubheka finishing in a time of 1.32:26.

Overall Result

10km

1 Jenna Challenor (Boxer) 35:24, 2 Poppy Mlambo (Boxer) 38:49, 3 Makhosazane Mhlongco (Savages) 39:03, 4 Keneilwe Sesing 39:35, 5 Slindile Chici 40:18, 6 Nomcebo Mthethwa 40:54, 7 Amanda Bradshaw 41:10, 8 Grace De Oliveira (Boxer) 42:56, 9 Tsepani Mlefe 44:27, 10 Lindo Gabela 44:40

9 – 14

1 Sindle Mbanjwa 1.14:50, 2 Nonkazimulo Mthembu 1.35:08, Sibusisiwe Majola 1:35:26

15-19

1 Slindile Chici 40:18, 2 Gina Williams 45:08, 3 Mbali Mtshali 45:49

Senior

1 Jenna Challenor (Boxer) 35:24, 2 Poppy Mlambo (Boxer) 38:49, 3 Makhosazane Mhlongco (Savages) 39:03

35 – 39

1 Michelle Lloysellis 45:06, 2 Wendy Durow 46:43, 3 Simone Smale 48:09

40 – 49

1 Sibongile Ziqubu 46:55, 2 Xolisile Mwelase 48:37, 3 Christa Du Plessis 51:46

50 – 59

1 Grace De Oliveira 42:56, 2 Janine Engels 47:22, 3 Debby De Koning 50:11

60 +

1 Judith Grove 50:39, 2 Jane Dickinson 52:54, 3 Patricia Fisher 59:39

5km

1 Fezeka Mchunu 20:43, 2 Natascha Hartmann 20:45, 3 Noshila Phungula 21:24, 4 Londeka Mweli 21:32, 5 Sinenhlanhla Zondi 21:49

Chatting to Durban Sailor Nqoba Mswazi

Known as ‘The Machine’ in the sailing community, young Nqoba Mswazi from Umgababa smiles while having breakfast after his weigh in.

"We made it!” grinned the charming sailor, gorgeous dimples beaming from his face. “We were a few kilograms under, hence I am allowed to eat!" said the relieved lad.

Nqoba and his team are currently competing in the biggest and most prestigious sailing event in the country; the Ola Lipton Challenge Cup hosted by the Royal Natal Yacht Club. This is the first time in over a decade that the race is being held in Durban.

"We are starting the regatta as the underdogs but this has been a great motivator. The boat is capable; it won the regatta last year, now it is up to the team. All we can do is try our best.” stated the level headed man.

Mswazi recently competed in the Colorpress Vasco da Gama in his first international ocean race from Maputo to Durban, “Early in my sailing career I competed in Reunion, my mentor Sean Jones and I competed in a class that we knew little about but learnt a lot. It was the F18 class, a big hobie cat, we came third last but my passion for sailing ignited there.”

They competed in the Round Creole Race which was competed racing around the island. “We had lots of breakages and were the only guys who had never sailed a Hobie 18 before but the fleet were great, friendly and helped us a lot.”

“My favourite memory of that trip would have to be the food! There is nothing like creole cuisine. I discovered all these new types of food, the Octopus Curry which everyone raved about was scary but I tried it. It was slimy and didn’t taste like much. But the sushi and crab – wow! One meal we had a pineapple sushi. It was a pineapple bunny, hollowed out with sushi inside, delicious.” He says glancing at his bacon and eggs in front of him.

“Sailing the Vasco last month was testing but was great. I did however score myself a nickname while on the water! One which I am eternally proud of! To the crew I am now known as Mandela, the reason for this, the first evening I had just finished my shift and was down below about to get a few hours’ sleep when we went through a bad gybe. I was summoned back on deck and rushed to the front of the boat. I can’t remember what happened but about twenty minutes later I woke up with a huge gash on my head. I had fallen through the hatch well trying to cut the kite, managing to get an impressive slice on the top of my head, similar to Nelson Mandela.”

The bowman, his position on the boat first started sailing in 2008, “Craig Millar came to our school, Rossburgh High to chat to us about his experience circumnavigating the world in the Clipper Round the World race. His stories stole my imagination and soon after I was enrolled in Sail Africa learning to sail.”

Proudly stating, ‘The Machine’ says, “The moment in my career that stands out for me, a shining moment in the last five years. It would have to be the first trophy I received; this was a realisation that I actually was extremely good.” The trophy that he talks of was awarded from South African Sailing KZN for being the Most Improved Sailor of the Year.

“I also have a silver medal from racing in this year’s L26 Provincials and a bronze one from the L26 Nationals, both sailing with his Lipton team racing on the yacht Orion B2G2” the first of many in this highly talented man’s fresh career.

Directly after taking on the crème-de-la-crème of South Africa’s sailors in the Ola Lipton Challenge Cup, Mswazi’s next challenge is taking on the Pacific in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race where he has been selected to crew from China to San Francisco.

We watch eagerly as Royal Natal Yacht Club’s Nqoba Mswazi makes waves in the world of sailing.

Chatting to the phenomenal Martha Ehlin from Sweden

When you meet Swedish athlete, Martha Ehlin, her sparkling eyes glisten as she talks to you, she looks just like a typical Scandinavian lass, gorgeous blue eyes and flowing blonde locks but she is by no means ordinary.

Ehlin, who participated in the 2013 World Transplant Games at the beginning of the month in Durban, is a walking miracle. The words courageous, inspiring, phenomenal, zestful and exceptional all come to mind when chatting to her.

In 2008 she was diagnosed with a rare endocrine cancer that was discovered in her pancreas and in no time had spread to her stomach, liver, duodenum and small intestines and in order for her to survive, she needed these five organs transplanted! “I lived a good life, trained a lot. I had never even been to hospital."

"I was put on a waiting list for the transplant, a waiting list that I would describe as a living nightmare. It is just horrible because every day I got worse and worse and all I could do was wait. There were so many thoughts of life and death, demons going through my head!”

“Then one day I got the phone call. It was a pretty weird call, I remember saying are you kidding me? The lady on the other side calmly said no! My first thought was where can I go to pick them up.” the 35 year old states smiling about the life changing phone call. Ehlin is one of the lucky ones having miraculously only waited nine months for the ‘whole package’.

After her mammoth surgery in 2009 that lasted 17 hours, she had a number of complications and was in ICU for four months. “One day I remember lying in the ICU and being asked by my father what my family could do for me, what did I want to do? And I recall the only thing I wanted was to go outside and lie on the grass and feel life around me. This was hard considering my infections and being bedridden. A couple of hours later after pleading with the staff, the nurses and my father carried me outside and when I lay there, I brushed the grass with my hands and looked up to the sun thinking life is beautiful and I truly wanted to live it.”

That was a life changing moment for Ehlin as a few weeks later she recovered enough to be moved out of the ICU. “In my new ward, I learnt about the World Transplant Games that was being hosted in my home town in two years’ time. Hearing about what the games were all about, I thought wow, if I could just be there to watch, applaud. Wouldn’t that be a miracle?”

With new found gusto, she attacked her rehab with a belief that perhaps she could do more than just observe the Games, she wanted to participate. Her dream didn’t end there; she wanted to compete in not one but five events in honour of each of her organs.

In the summer of 2011, in her home town - Gothenburg, Martha Ehlin made history, being one of less than 200 people alive to have had five organ transplants, took part in the World Transplant Games, “At the opening ceremony I held the code of conduct, I was honoured to do that. With a crowd of over 1,500 people we all stood up and for one minute honoured our donors and all those that weren’t as lucky as we were, in that moment of silence, I was humbled reflecting on how my life had changed. I was alive!”

In 2011 Ehlin was awarded five gold medals and in true Games style, she dedicated each of her medals to the reasons she is alive, “That was my way of expressing how much I appreciated my second chance. My first medal was in honour of my donor and their family; still to this day I cannot thank them enough. The second gold was for my family, for always supporting me. The third was for the staff at the Sahlgrenska University Hospital. The fourth medal I dedicated to everyone out there still waiting for their second chance. And finally, the fifth was for me!” she says dimples evident in her beaming face.”

In Durban, the softly spoken role model notched up three golds, the first for shot put, the second was in the ball throw and the third was in the javelin. She rounded off her efforts with silver in the high jump. “The opening ceremony blew me away, that memory will last me a lifetime. 50 countries standing as one, singing the new song, ‘Our Hearts are Beating’, for the World Transplant Games and being overwhelmed by the wonders of Africa that were performed on stage!”

Claiming that she is extremely competitive, Ehlin relishes the opportunity to compete at the World Transplant Games, “It is about setting goals and going out and achieving them! And I have the opportunity to meet people that have walked the same path and have the same destiny as me.”

Sombrely, she continues, “And of course it is about creating awareness for the necessity of organ donations, the gift of life.”

Back home, the inspiring lady works tirelessly creating awareness, “Before my transplant, I was a PE Teacher. At the 2011 Games, I meet Peter Carstedt from Stockholm; I loved his energy and passion that he exuded. When all the dust had settled after the Gothenburg Games, we set up an organisation that raises awareness for organ donations. It is now a full time job”

The co-founder of MOD or More Organ Donations explains, “MOD in Swedish translated means courage, a very fitting name for our organisation.”

The youthful campaigners have some funky ways that they use for their company’s awareness drive, “We use social media which is proving very successful. We have a few music clips on You-Tube as well, catchy tunes with a message attached!”

The upbeat character changes the topic, “I’m really living a fantastic life. After the transplant, it is kind of like I had a major spring clean in my life. You throw away everything that you don’t need and things that don’t work anymore. It is a good feeling.”

“I feel mortal but in a good way, because it makes me want to live my life to the fullest.”

Asked what she would like to achieve with this new lease in life, she ponders. “The simple things in life, I would like to get married, travel the world, and stop in and explore New Zealand, get a house on the beach and get a dog. I think that is all that is on my bucket-list!”

Ehlin who lives the motto, impossible is nothing, affirms, “With August being Women’s Month in South Africa, ladies, everything that you want to be and achieve, you have already got inside of you. You have the power to change.”

Reflecting, “My ultimate hero in my life is of course my donor but there are many ladies that truly inspire me. I look up to those who follow their heart and walk the path that they believe in! Takes an incredibly powerful woman to be able to do that!”

Finishing her cappuccino, the beautiful soul gets up, stretches her legs and heads off. "Durban has some really great coffee. Gothenburg does as well!" she says warmly.

The words patient, happy, dependable, kind-hearted and above all a fighter describe this profound women. Having spent a week with 1,800 similar humbling stories, I went online and two minutes later, I had registered as an organ donor, I now one day will be able to give the gift of life and be a part of someone’s story like Ehlin, in more ways than one!

If you would like to become an organ donor, go to http://www.odf.org.za/

World Transplant Games - 5km Cycling Time Trials

World Transplant Games

Durban

Cycling

Tuesday 30 July

Great Britain dominated the World Transplant Games cycling time trials in Durban claiming thirteen medals in the various age categories. Overall winner for the men’s race was Erlend Gjerde from the Norway and Ottilie Quince from Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Gjerde defended his title from the 2011 Games in Goteborg, Sweden where he bettered his time in Durban shaving off 39 seconds off his Swedish result. He finished the five kilometres in Durban in an impressive time of 7.49.

Second placed Richard Smith was his closest rival with three seconds separating the two. The British cyclist, Smith, commented after the race, “My time was slow today. It was hot out on the road, in Great Britain, our summers are this hot, so had to adjust to the heat. The wind off the ocean was a bit of a challenge on the first long beach road.”

Smith talked about his training back home, “I train as much as any other abled body competitor.” He said with a cheeky grin on his face, “Sometimes I win and sometimes I lose. When I lose I wickedly blame my transplant. But I feel normal.”

Smith will be back on the bike tomorrow to defend his 2011 title in the 20km event, Would be nice to get the two in the bag.” He concluded.

Quince (31) from Luton also defended her title with a convincing win in a time of 8.45. “My aim today was to win the overall line honours and I am delighted with my race.” stated a chuffed Quince.

Luton’s pedalling queen stated after her ride, “It was hard, on the stretch parallel to the beach I was riding straight into a headwind, so battled a bit with that. Yesterday, during practice the wind was a tail wind, so was different.”

Guest cyclist, Mayor of eThekiwini, James Nxumalo also took to the five kilometre race, “It was fantastic, a nice run and at the same time quite challenging.” said his worship. “I ride at least once a week from Ushaka to Blue Lagoon and back again. I am in training for this year’s Amashova.”

“It was a wonderful atmosphere around the event today, people are enjoying themselves and the race but at the same time are getting a vital message across about giving people a second chance by signing up as an organ donor.”

“The city council has a strong drive about cycling around the city; we are promoting our own councillors to cycle to meetings between the ICC and City Hall. We have undertaken to all motivate others to live a healthy lifestyle and of course, with a lot more bikes on the roads, there will be far less congestion.”

Second placed Nora Lombaard representing South Africa but resides in Namibia only began cycling in January, “This is my second race, I did the qualifying back home and now this one. I am riding at a cycling club where we get to do some wonderful road cycling. I enjoyed the race today, it was very good.”

The youngest competitor at the event, Robert Laubscher from Milnerton in Cape Town completed the 5km in a time of 14.34 loved his time on the bike, “It was easy!” said the confident young man, “and very nice. I am still going to be competing in swimming tomorrow where I am racing in the freestyle, butterfly and backstroke.”

“I have participated in a few triathlons, swimming is my favourite. But I enjoy cycling as well, I get to cycle often with my Mom and Dad.”

89 cyclists entered the 5km race, with all the cyclists competing racing against the clock. The route was cycled around the stadium precinct, with the riders cycling from the Kings Park Pool heading to the ocean, and then turning towards Blue Lagoon before turning inland and again towards the city, returning to the finish at Kings Park Pool.

President of the World Transplant Games Federation, Mr Olivier Coustere announced at the prize giving, “I am impressed by the race; I am impressed by the children competing. Everyone, the motivation on your faces showing the determination to finish the race was inspiring to see.”

For more info visit www.wtg2013.com or like the Facebook page to keep up with what is happening. Tomorrow (Wednesday) the cyclists will be returning to Kings Park Pool, this time pedalling around a 20km course.

Results

Men Overall

1 Erlend Gjerde (Norway), 2 Richard Smith (Great Britain and Northern Ireland), 3 Gavin Giles (Great Britain and Northern Ireland), 4 Stefano Caredda (Italy), 5 Randall Stafford (USA)

Women Overall

1 Ottilie Quince (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) 8.45, 2 Hilde Dorman (Netherlands) 10.21, 3 Mellisa Slanley (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) 10.22, 4 Ulrika Svantesson (Sweeden) 10.29, 5 Elizabeth Schick (Switzerland) 10.42

ENDS

World Transplant Games

Durban

Tuesday 30 July

5km Cycling Time Trials

Results

Age Category

Boys 9-11

1 Robert Laubscher (South Africa) 14.34

Girls 12-14

1 R.e. Pijl (Netherlands) 15.08

Boys 12-14

1 Nicholas Shugg (Australia) 12.48

Girls 15-17

1 Elizabeth Morris (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) 11.29

Women 18 – 29

1 Hilde Dorman (Netherlands) 10.21, 2 Nora Lombaard (South Africa) 13.40, 3 Charlotte Rodriguez (France) 18.45

Men 18 – 29

1 Luis Francisco Sanz Diaz (Spain) 8.30, 2 Gideon Elve (Netherlands) 9.27, 3 Simon Ripley (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) 10.07

Women 30 – 39

1 Ottilie Quince (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) 8.45, 2 Jorie Von Ohlen (United States of America) 17.57

Men 30 – 39

1 Erlend Gjerde (Norway) 7.49, 2 Gavin Giles (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) 8.01, 3 Bas Hoven (Netherlands) 8.33

Women 40 – 49

1 Melissa Slaney (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) 10.22, 2 Ulrika Svantesson (Sweden) 10.29, 3 Zoe Dixon (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) 10.47

Men 40-49

1 Richard Smith (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) 7.52, 2 Stefano Caredda (Italy) 8.06, 3 Antonio Ontoso (Spain) 8.11

Women 50 – 59

1 Elizabeth Shick (Switzerland) 10.42, 2 Diana Higman (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) 10.45, 3 Liliana Zelasqui (Argentina) 11.03

Men 50 – 59

1 Randall Stafford (United States of America) 8.10, 2 John Moran (Ireland) 8.23, Gerald Brown (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) 8.28

Women 60 – 69

1 Fidelma Hodkinson (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) 12.09, 2 Gisele Ceppi-Lucas (Switzerland) 12.47

Men 60 – 69

1 Alain Fossard (France) 8.21, 2 Koos Moerkerk (Netherlands) 8.50, 3 Robert Jolliffe (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) 8.54

Men 70+

1 Thomas Jenkin (United States of America) 8.48, 2 Enrico Dell’Acqua (Italy) 10.05, 3 Jean-Claude Le Bourhis (France) 10.11

ENDS