St Dominics Newcastle learners complete 2026 Midmar Mile with strong finishes
24 February 2026Choppy water, a mass start and a kilometre of open-water swimming lay ahead at the 2026 Midmar Mile, and two St Dominics Newcastle learners met the challenge head-on.
Head Girl Zoe Kruger and fellow learner Abigale Meineke recently successfully completed one of South Africa’s most recognised open-water swimming events, crossing the finish line with official times of 33:24 and 23:07 respectively.
Racing in open water
The Midmar Mile draws swimmers from across the country to compete in demanding conditions. Zoe and Abigale navigated the open waters with focus and composure, maintaining pace through the full kilometre course.
Abigale finished in 23:07, while Zoe recorded a time of 33:24.
Reflecting on the experience, Zoe described it as ‘such a fun and memorable experience, filled with sunshine and the opportunity to meet new people from all over the country.’
Her comment captures the atmosphere of the event, where competition and camaraderie share the same space.
Representing their school on a national stage
Both stepped into a national sporting arena and delivered solid performances.
‘Two St Dom’s learners recently demonstrated exceptional courage and endurance at the prestigious Midmar Mile 2026,’ the school said, acknowledging the significance of completing the race.
The event demands physical preparation and mental strength. Open-water conditions differ sharply from pool racing, requiring swimmers to adapt to currents, waves and the unpredictability of a mass start.
A test of resilience
For Zoe and Abigale, the race required steady preparation, focus under pressure and the willingness to commit from start to finish.
‘Zoe Kruger and Abigale Meineke both rose to the challenge of navigating the open waters,’ the school noted.
By completing the 2026 Midmar Mile, both learners added a national endurance event to their sporting journey and represented St Dominics Newcastle on a recognised platform.