South African swimmer Callan Lötter marked her upcoming 20th birthday by defending her 3km, 5km and 10km titles at the South African Open Water Championships in Jeffreys Bay. Her recent Midmar Mile victory boosted her confidence toward Olympic goals.
Callan Lötter, one of South Africa's brightest prospects in open water swimming, achieved a hat-trick of titles at the South African Open Water Championships held from 6 to 8 March at Marina Martinique in Jeffreys Bay. She defended her 2025 victories in the 3km, 5km and 10km events. This success followed her maiden win at the Midmar Mile at Midmar Dam in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, where she was runner-up the previous year in the 2026 edition. Lötter told Daily Maverick: “I feel really proud that I was able to defend my open water titles. Winning the Midmar Mile... was a confidence booster because it showed me that my training was working.” Her coach, Olympian Troyden “Troy” Prinsloo, who represented South Africa at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, praises her dedication. “I see a lot of myself in Callan. She is by far one of the best swimmers that I’ve coached when it comes to what it takes to make it to the top,” Prinsloo said. They have collaborated since late 2025, emphasizing aggressive race starts. Lötter ranks in the global top 20 for open water swimming. For direct qualification to the Los Angeles Olympics in two years, she needs a podium finish at the 2027 World Aquatics Championships. She credits support from parents Anton and Marietjie Lötter.
