Kascha Kloos,97, is an inspirational masters swimmer from Stellenbosch.
She competed in her first race on her 85th birthday and since then has raked in a vast amount of medals, smashed swimming records and set up new ones.
“When you win; you are just so happy and relieved that you didn’t lose your goggles, or miss diving starts and weren’t disqualified,” she humorously shares on what competing at her age is like.
Her son Rainer Kloos, recalls her first competitive swim in 2010 on Saturday April 10. Since then, his mom has risen through the swimming ranks to eventually becoming an esteemed globally recognised top swimmer.
Currently, she holds 58 SA records and has competed in four Masters World Championships.
“I did as many international events as I could. It’s a lovely thing to be in a big place, but one gets nervous and feel relieved when it’s over.”
Her latest achievements include being recognised as one of the Top 10 Masters Swimmers in the world by international swimming federation FINA. In 2021 she was inducted into the Masters Swimming Hall of Fame.
In March this year she swam in the South African Masters Swimming Championships in the 95 to 99 year category.
“I’m just sorry that I was the only one there as there was no one else in my age category to compete against,” said Ms Kloos. “I was missing some competition. You’re on your own but you still try to do well. You really have to go all out to set those records and you’re hardly able to breathe when you finish.”
During this championship, she impressively set up records in three categories.
She attributes her good health to swimming, something she started early in her life. Later she progressed to lifesaving and went on to become a swimming instructor in Nelspruit. Teaching children to swim was a passion which was prompted by a near-drowning in her childhood.
Her family and a love of the outdoors is her motivation. She is more than happy to pass the adrenalin-fuelled baton on to them.
“My family are now taking over the love for sport. They all like and do well in sport.”
Mr Kloos said: “She has truly inspired the SA swimming community and her 11 grandchildren all do amazing things in various sports,” says Mr Kloos.
The family’s sporting adventures include climbing Mount Everest, Full Iron Man Challenges, Cape Epics, Robben Island swims, cycle tours, peaks challenges, trail running and marathons, “all inspired by their grandmother”, he adds.
At 97 years, Ms Kloos’s vitality and zest for life remain unmatched. She still lives on her own, swims often, is super independent and does yoga and aquarobics.
In answer to what she thinks has been the secret to success.
“I think it’s in the genes,” she laughingly exclaims.
