Michael McGlynn gunning for third straight title

Michael McGlynn, the two-time defending Midmar Mile winner, has stated that he will compete for a third straight title this weekend.
McGlynn won his second consecutive gold in 2021, then qualified for the Olympic Games in Tokyo, where he placed eighth in the 10km open water race.
Although things haven’t gone quite as planned this year, the Durban swimmer is still keen to compete in the men’s elite event.
“I started the new year with Covid and a chest injury, so my training hasn’t been great,” he admitted.
“But I would like to try and defend again because I really love this race and it’s so exciting.”
McGlynn will be up against a men’s field that includes the likes of 19-year-old Connor Buck, who finished third in 2021, and TUKS swimmer Reino von Wielligh, seeded third for this race.
“I just want to focus on myself, but I believe there are people out there training hard,” said the 22-year-old.
McGlynn’s title last year was won in smooth conditions while 2020’s race was contested in much choppier water. He reckons he doesn’t mind either way for this year’s event.
“Whatever happens, happens. I don’t really know which I prefer because I like flat water, but choppy conditions suit me as well,” he said.
McGlynn added that he learned a lot from his trip to compete in Tokyo, and while he hasn’t decided what comes next this year after the Midmar Mile, he’s eager to tackle the challenges that lie ahead.
“After competing at the Olympics, it’s definitely opened my eyes and helped me to see what’s out there. After placing eighth in the 10km marathon swim, the best finish for a South African, I started to believe in my abilities more.”
Those abilities will surely be on display this Sunday, 13 February, when the men’s elite race gets under way at 12:15, with the elite women’s race scheduled just before that at 11:30.
For those still planning to enter the Midmar Mile, more details and information are available on www.midmarmile.co.za

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