schoolsthatrock
Valsrivier Gala. On 14 and 15 November 2025, the Gimmie swimmers made waves at the Valsrivier Gala in Kroonstad, bringing home glory, medals, and prize money!
Against 10 competing clubs, Welkom Gymnasium proudly emerged as the Club Winner of the Gala, proving once again that their swimmers are a force to be reckoned with.
With prize allocations of R100 (3rd place), R200 (2nd place), and R300 (1st place), the Gimmies athletes didn’t just swim for medals — they swam into money too!
Out of 13 swimmers, we celebrate 9 category winners — a phenomenal achievement that showcases both depth and excellence across age groups.
🏊♂️ Individual Highlights
Hayden Barnes
- Multiple podium finishes including 1st in 200m Backstroke and 2nd in 200m Freestyle
- Category Winner: 14 Year Group – 1st
Shyenne Laubscher
- Dominated with 1st in 200m Breaststroke, 100m Freestyle, and 50m Breaststroke
- Category Winner: 16 & Over Group – 1st
Noa Mansill
- A golden streak: 11 first-place finishes including 200m IM, 200m Freestyle, and 100m Backstroke
- Category Winner: 15 Year Group – 1st
Kaira Nel
- Strong performances with 1st in 100m Breaststroke and multiple silver medals
- Category Winner: 14 Year Group – 3rd
S.J. Nel
- Consistent medal haul with silvers and bronzes across butterfly, freestyle, and IM
- Category Winner: 16 & Over Group – 2nd
Drake O’Tool
- A powerhouse: 9 gold medals including 100m Freestyle, 200m IM, and 200m Breaststroke
- Category Winner: 16 and Over Group – 1st
Chris Savvas
- Golds in 100m Butterfly, 200m IM, and 100m Freestyle
- Category Winner: 14 Year Group – 2nd
Ashley Seymour
- Swept gold in 200m Backstroke, 200m Freestyle, and 100m Backstroke
- Category Winner: 16 and Over Group – 2nd
Tatum Venter
- Gold in 200m Breaststroke plus multiple silvers and bronzes
- Category Winner: 13 Year Group – 2nd
Rising Stars & Strong Contenders
- Albert van Staden – triple silver medalist in IM, Butterfly, and Backstroke
- Tristan Venter – gold in 50m Breaststroke plus multiple silvers
- Bongani Hlongwane & Junior Mokonenyana – showed grit and determination, gaining valuable experience for future galas
Final Tally
- 9 Category Winners
- Dozens of gold medals across strokes and distances
- Cash prizes earned through excellence
- Club Winner out of 10 competing clubs
Welkom Gymnasium Pride
This gala wasn’t just about medals — it was about teamwork, perseverance, and representing our school with honor. Every swimmer contributed to this victory, and together they proved why Welkom Gymnasium is a powerhouse in swimming.
Congratulations to all the swimmers, coaches, and supporters. You’ve made the Gimmies proud!
Read more school news here: https://schoolsthatrock.co.za/
https://welkom-gimnasium.co.za/
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