Swimming | SA swimmer achieves personal bests at Irish Winter Championships
South African swimmer Megan Shepherd delivered outstanding performances at the Irish Winter Championships, held from December 13-15, 2024, showcasing her exceptional talent as part of a South African invitational team.
South African swimmer Megan Shepherd
Irish Winter Championships
Throughout the three-day event, Megan demonstrated technical excellence across multiple middle-distance events, competing in the 100m and 200m Breaststroke, as well as the 200m and 400m Individual Medley events. Her powerful performances in the pool set the tone for an eventful competition that saw numerous personal bests established.
"The atmosphere at the Irish Championships is incredible," said Megan after one of her races. "Being part of the invitational team gives me valuable racing experience against new competitors in the Northern Hemisphere's winter season."
Megan’s participation in this year's Irish Winter Championships underscores the growing importance of gaining international experience for emerging athletes. Her appearance at the championships adds to her expanding international racing portfolio as she builds momentum heading into next year's major competitions.
The young South African's success at this meet marks another significant step forward in her promising swimming career, suggesting she will be a talent to watch in upcoming international competitions such as the Midmar Mile 2025, and SA National Championships 2025
“Dear all, am truly at a loss for words to express just how thankful I am to each and every one of you who have helped me to achieve my goal, but I am going to try. Your generosity, kindness, and unwavering support has been nothing short of inspiring, and I am forever grateful for all that you have done. Even though ‘thank you’ seems too small a word to say all the things you deserve to hear, please know that I am beyond thankful for each and every one of you and the impact you will have on my journey.
With all my love and gratitude,
Megan”
Results:
Day 1: heats
100m Breast- swam a new PB of 1.14.62 and made the B finals.
200m IM- made the B final
Day 1: Finals
100m Breast- came 10th in the B finals
200M IM- took off a second from heats and made a season PB and placed 3rd in the B finals
Day 2: Heats
Made B final in 400m IM
Day 2: Finals
400m IM- took off 8 seconds from heats and made a PB by 1 second with a time of 5.02.01 and placed 1st in the B final and 8th overall
Swimming, 2024, South Africa, Irish Winter Championships, Megan Shepherd