THREE generations of Durban’s famous Chalupsky family will be racing in the 52nd Midmar Mile this weekend.
At 87-year, former canoeing champion Paul Chalupsky will be the oldest participant in the annual race.
His son Oscar, a cancer survivor, and grandson Luke will also participate in the world’s largest open water swimming event.
Oscar, a 12-time surf ski world champion was diagnosed with bone marrow cancer in 2019 and only given six months to live. However, he defied the odds and has inspired others with his participation in the iconic event.
Speaking ahead of the race this week, Oscar said that he was doing well. "I'm on a new weekly treatment regime and training is going well. Though I’m down on power, I’m still pushing myself every day to keep training and stay strong.”
The secret to achieving his goals were simple, “keep training, eat well, manage stress and stay positive.”
Chalupsky enjoyed a stellar paddling career including 12 Open Ocean Surf Ski Championships victories. He also represented South Africa at the 1992 Olympic Games. He also won the junior and senior Iron Man titles on the same day at the SA Surf Lifesaving Championships when he was just 15.
And he said it wasn't hard to convince his dad to participate in the Midmar because he is always up for a challenge.
Oscar hopes that by participating in the Midmar Mile this year he will encourage those who are facing their own battles. "You can achieve any goal once you have set your mind on it," he said.
Thousands of swimmers from across the country and even abroad started streaming into the Midlands over the past week, in preparation for the Midmar Mile where friends and families reunite and old rivalries are reignited.
Over the past two days swimmers have been racing each other to raise money for charity.
By yesterday morning at least R769 000 had already been raised for PinkDrive, an organisation which promotes early cancer detection and awareness across South Africa.
The money raised by the 72-member team of PinkDrive 8 Milers will support the organisation’s various initiatives including mobile mammography units, clinical breast examinations, prostate screenings, and educational outreach programmes in underserved communities.
The 8 Milers are a group of passionate swimmers who conquer eight gruelling miles over two days.
"Our 8 Milers are true champions, not just in the water but in the fight against cancer. Every stroke they swam represents hope, every rand raised fuels our mission to save lives through early detection," said Noelene Kotschan CEO and Founder of PinkDrive.
Those who still want to enter the 2025 aQuellé Midmar Mile can do so at the dam today or tomorrow as online entries are now closed.