Midmar Mile women’s race wide open as Catherine van Rensburg sits out title defence

CATHERINE van Rensburg’s decision not to defend her aQuellé Midmar Mile title this weekend has left the women’s elite race wide open, with last year’s runner-up Callan Lotter hoping to kick on and grab gold on Sunday.

- ROWAN CALLAGHAN

Van Rensburg confirmed her decision to sit out the race as she shifts her focus back to the pool, with the goal of qualifying for the Commonwealth Games.

Lotter returns to the iconic open-water race with growing confidence after another solid year of racing, which included three impressive 16th-place finishes at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore.

“Last year’s second place gave me valuable experience and confidence. My focus this year is on executing a good race and seeing where that puts me,” she said.

“Everyone diving off the pontoon on the day will be my main rivals.”