Matthew Caldwell and Callan Lotter secure maiden titles as South Africa dominates Midmar Mile

South Africa’s men swimmers delivered on a bold pre-race promise at Midmar Dam on Sunday, ending years of foreign dominance in the men’s elite race, as Matthew Caldwell led an all-South African podium at the iconic aQuellé Midmar Mile.

In the build-up to the world’s largest open-water swim, Caldwell had confidently predicted that the Top 3 would feature himself, compatriot Henré Louw and French Olympian Damien Joly. While Joly ultimately missed out on the podium, Caldwell’s broader statement of intent — that local swimmers were ready to reclaim control — rang emphatically true.

Caldwell executed a daring and unconventional race plan to secure his maiden title in 18:32, finishing ahead of Louw (18:42) and Connor Albertyn (18:44) as South Africa swept the podium. Joly, a three-time Olympian and one of the pre-race favourites, faded to fourth in 18:51.

Rather than jostling for position in the lead pack, Caldwell broke away early, opting to swim a wide line to the right of the field. It was a move that raised eyebrows on the banks of Midmar Dam, but it proved decisive.

“I just needed to be as wide as possible, not close to anyone. I just didn’t want to be in sight. I wanted to be like an invisible person swimming there,” Caldwell explained afterwards. “The plan was just to swim my own race in clean water.”

While Caldwell carved his own path, Louw, Albertyn and Joly battled more directly. Joly appeared uncertain at times about the course markers, adjusting his line repeatedly, and the hesitation cost him crucial seconds. Up ahead, Caldwell’s “invisible” strategy allowed him to build rhythm in clean water and surge clear.

For Caldwell, the result was about more than personal glory.

“It’s lovely. I’ve been wanting this for a few years now … Henré, myself and Connor on the podium, that’s perfect, that’s how it should be — South Africa on top,” he said.

In the women’s elite race, Callan Lötter also claimed a maiden Midmar Mile crown, dominating from the front in challenging conditions. The 19-year-old Pretoria swimmer made her move early and was already clear of the field by the 400m mark.

By halfway she led by 12 seconds, extending that advantage to 19 seconds at the final marker before crossing the finish line in 19:51.

Former champion Stephanie Houtman took second in 20:02, with Carli Antonopoulos third in 20:07, as the leading trio finished more than a minute ahead of the rest of the field.

“My plan was to go out comfortable and see where everyone was, and then start building from 400m onwards,” said Lötter, who credited coach Troyden Prinsloo for restoring her confidence and enjoyment in the sport.