Natalie chasing more history

2008-08-18 22:12

Adnaan Mohamed

Beijing - If Natalie du Toit wins a medal in the 10km open-water swimming here on Wednesday, her performance will be mentioned in the same breath as those of Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt at these Olympic Games.

The South African has already made history by becoming the first disabled swimmer to compete against able-bodied swimmers at sport's greatest spectacle.

American swimming superstar Phelps and Jamaican sprinter Bolt have produced majestic performances but if Du Toit wins a medal, it will be one of the highlights of the Games.

She aims to finish among the top 5, saying she did not come to Beijing merely to take part.

"The 10km swim takes a lot of hard work and perseverance," she said on Monday.

"Since the world championships in Seville I have completed three practice cycles in which I swam between ten and eleven kilometres daily.

"I have taken it a little easy lately to ensure I'll be fresh and rested on the day."

Other SA swimmers failed to win medals.

Khotso Mokoena's silver in the long jump on Monday is, in fact, the only medal so far that any South African has won here.

Not sure what to expect

Du Toit lost the lower part of her left leg in a scooter accident when she was 16. Now 24, she caused a stir when she came fourth among 51 in Seville.

Wednesday's race, which is scheduled to start at 03:00, SA time, marks the first time that the 10km open-water event will be held at the Olympic Games. No one seems to be sure of what to expect.

"It is an honour to be in the company of the top swimmers in the world but my aim is not just to be competitive," the Cape Town swimmer said. "I aim to be among the top five."

She compared her event with the Tour de France. "Just as in the Tour, the idea is to save energy by swimming in the slipstream of the bunch in front.

"Even though it is not really allowed there is nothing the officials can do about it. There will be 25 swimmers, in contrast to the 51 in Seville.

"Now it's all about remaining positive, to get the mental approach right and to use the correct tactics.

"I'll give everything for my country," she added.

Du Toit won the 50m and 100m freestyle for disabled swimmers at the Commonwealth Games in Manchester in 2002, setting world records in both. She retained the titles in Melbourne in 2006. At the 2004 Parlympics in Athens she won five gold medals and one silver.

- Die Burger