Pretoria Boys High alumni attempt historic swim for charity
Chris Oldnall and Peet Crowther are not your average swimmers.
While many of us enjoy a relaxing day at the beach and a dip in the ocean, Chris Oldnall and Peet Crowther would much rather push themselves to the absolute limit.
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The two ultra-distance athletes have decided to take on the Trilogy Ocean Challenge, which will test their mental and physical strength.
This challenge is an initiative of the South African Hall of Fame, that showcases extraordinary human endurance and resilience, redefining what’s possible in open-water swimming.
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Oldnall and Crowther will face a gruelling journey spanning 152 kilometres through the unpredictable waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
The series consists of three open-water swims, two of which have never been completed as solo swims.
They reached an incredible goal in the second leg of the 152km swim.
In a world-first, Oldnall, Pretoria Boys High deputy headmaster of sport, and Crowther, Pretoria Boys High alumni, have completed solo swims of the brutal 53km route from Robben Island to Dassen Island – a feat never before done in South African open water.
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Battling freezing waters, strong currents, and total isolation, Peet finished first in 18:23:20.37, and Chris was hot on his heels in 20:26:21.37.
More than just a record-breaking achievement, the swim raised funds for the South African Hall of Fame Legacy Project, which allows talented children without resources to attend Pretoria Boys High School.
To date, 35 scholars have been supported through this life-changing initiative.
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This was a swim for the history books – and for a future filled with opportunity.
The final leg of the Trilogy Ocean Challenge is planned for November 2025 and will be a staggering 66km, False Bay Double Crossing – never completed as a solo open-water swim.
You can follow their journey, learn more about the Trilogy Ocean Challenge and donate here.
Rob Forbes and Rozanne McKenzie sat down with Oldnall and Crowther to talk about their journey so far, the struggles and the final swim.
Listen to the full interview below:
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Main image: Supplied