A young swimmer from Bethlehem has had an excellent swimming season this year.
The 16-year-old Jaden Maritz, a homeschool learner from Bethlehem and swimmer of the Bethseals swimming club as well as Voortrekker High School in Bethlehem, performed splendidly during this swimming season.
In March at the level two swimming competition, Jaden attained eight medals (four gold, three silver, and one bronze). He also participated in an open water swim with his best time in the 3 km event being 47:45, which is also his personal best.
As a biathlete, Jaden was chosen for the Free State Biathle team that participated in the Nationals Biathle Championships last year and says it was an honour and a great experience for him.
Jaden’s love for swimming was cultivated at the young age of 13, and he enjoys testing his limits.
“When I dive into the water, it is just me and Jesus. I also love the sport because it is an individual sport in which I can improve myself and see my hard work and efforts pay off,” he says.
The official swimming season has ended, but Jaden will participate in the Biathle Free State Championships that will take place on Wednesday, 26 April, at the Voortrekker High School in Bethlehem.
Tina Nel, Jaden’s coach at the Bethseals swimming club, says a winter swimming gala will also take place in July before the new season starts in August.
