Simone Moll banks three gold medals at the Region 5 Games in Lilongwe, Malawi

By GARY LEMKE in Lilongwe

Whenever a South African breaststroke swimmer gets on the blocks at an international event it’s best to stop what you are doing and pay attention. Especially when it comes to the women with Penny Heyns blazing a trail at the 1996 Olympics that has been followed by Tatjana Schoenmaker, Lara van Niekerk and you can even throw Kaylene Corbett into that discussion.

So, when Simone Moll stepped up for the start of the girls 100m breaststroke at the Region 5 Games in Lilongwe, Malawi on Monday, it’s fair to say there were a lot of eyes on her. An enthusiastic crowd at the open air pool, which included hundreds of school kids entertained by the action and a “DJ” who played music throughout, made for a festive, albeit chaotic, afternoon of swimming.

Moll didn’t disappoint. She took home three gold medals – in the 100m breaststroke, the 50m butterfly and the 4x100m freestyle relay – and will be hoping to add more on Tuesday, with her favourite event, the 50m breaststroke, on the programme.

It was four years ago in Gaborone, Botswana, that Van Niekerk, then 15, won gold at the Region 5 Games. She subsequently went on to win double gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and has set herself up as the early favourite to win gold in the 100m at Paris 2024.

Interestingly, Van Niekerk’s time at these Games was 1:10.25. Moll came home in 1:11.48, but it was also a personal best.

Afterwards she spoke of her admiration for Van Niekerk, who is now 19, with Moll being 17. “I have met Lara and she is just the nicest person. A lot of people say that our strokes are similar. My times are getting faster and every time I swim a PB I feel like I’m getting closer to sharing the same pool with her. Hopefully one day I will be able to swim next to her and shake her hand!

“I’m a big swimming fan and I watched both the Olympics and Commonwealth Games. Tatjana, Lara and Kaylene are my role models, but I’m taking things one step at a time. I know I’m getting better and better, and I know the importance of trying to stay mentally strong to have a long career.”

Moll, who lives in Heidelberg, Gauteng, is going into her Matric year in January, and has been swimming since the age of 8. “I took a break around 11 and 12 years old, but I’m determined to make the most of my ability. This is my first time internationally. My breaststroke is my best stroke, and I suppose that’s what got me chosen. My favourites are the 50m events and lane No6 is my favourite. It was in that lane that I won my first medal at a Nationals – it was silver – and I had it here when I won the 50m butterfly.”

With three golds on day one, Moll has set herself up for more gold over the next two days. Customs at OR Tambo International are likely to get to know her well over the next few years as she brings more precious medals back into the country.

Photos: ROGER SEDRES