Curro Showcases Elite Swimmers
06 October 2024Curro Hillcrest, in partnership with Aquazone Swimming Club and Curro Sport, hosted the second annual Curro AquaElite Gala from 4 to 6 October 2024. It was held at Curro Hillcrest’s Olympic-sized, heated pool, and attracted swimmers from 18 schools across the country for three days of intense competition under clear skies.
The best in youth swimming
Swimmers from primary and high schools across regions, including the Free State, Cape, and Gauteng, competed in three age groups: 13 and under, 14-15 years, and 16-19 years. Athletes competed for individual and team awards, while also accumulating world aquatic points – a crucial step in forming high-performance teams for international competitions.
Cindy van der Merwe, Curro Sports Portfolio Manager, highlighted the significance of the event: ‘We cannot allow an Olympic pool to lie idle, and Curro Hillcrest is the ideal venue to showcase such rich swimming talent. Curro’s ambition is to create exceptional opportunities not only for our learners but for all learners throughout South Africa.’
Building dreams
Curro’s mission is to inspire swimmers to reach professional levels, fostering aspirations for Olympic representation. ‘The standard of swimming at all levels is something to be proud of, and somewhere among all the competitors could be a future Olympic champion. These young swimmers rise to the occasion and are not daunted by the big stage,’ Cindy added. The atmosphere of camaraderie and support among athletes, parents, and spectators contributed to the event's success, enhanced by the state-of-the-art facilities, including electronic touchpads for accurate timekeeping.
Outstanding performances
The gala’s top individual performers were Stellenberg High School’s Joshua Esterhuysen (17) and Abigail Kotze (15). Joshua and Abigail, both with impressive track records from the 2023 African Junior Champs and SA Junior Nationals, dominated their events, earning 673 and 655 world aquatic points, respectively. Abigail also brought her experience as a South African representative at the African Junior Champs, while Joshua’s solid credentials as an SA Junior Nationals medalist shone through.
Joshua Esterhuysen (17)
In team categories, Glenwood Prep excelled, winning the Best Girls’ Primary School Team, Best Boys’ Primary School Team, and Best Co-Ed Primary School awards. Hosts Curro Hillcrest showcased their talent in the senior divisions, securing the Best Girls’ High School and Best Co-Ed High School trophies.
Abigail Kotze (15)
Full Results
Team awards
- Best Girls’ Team:
- Primary School: Glenwood Prep
- High School: Curro Hillcrest
- Best Boys’ Team:
- Primary School: Glenwood Prep
- High School: Grey College
- Best Co-Ed Team:
- Primary School: Glenwood Prep
- High School: Curro Hillcrest
Individual awards
- Best Performance Boy: Joshua Esterhuysen, Stellenberg High School
- Best Performance Girl: Abigail Kotze, Stellenberg High School
- Champion Girls’ 13 & Under: Sage Moodie, Atholl Heights Primary School
- Champion Boys’ 13 & Under: Troy Allison, Winston Park Primary School
- Champion Boys’ 14 & 15: Connor le Gassick, Grey College
- Champion Girls’ 14 & 15: Abigail Kotze, Stellenberg High School
- Champion Boys’ 16 to 19: Joshua Esterhuysen, Stellenberg High School
- Champion Girls’ 16 to 19: Jessica Carmody, St Mary’s DSG, Kloof