Verulam boy (10) completes gruelling 10.5km swim: 'I didn't want to give up'
FREEZING WATER
Preyaav Kashiv Singh participated in the 10.5km relay swim from Millers Point to Fish Hoek in Cape Town, completing it in under five hours despite the freezing water.
Image: SUPPLIED
WHEN 10-year-old Preyaav Kashiv Singh's planned Robben Island swim was cancelled, he didn't give up.
Instead, the Verulam youngster took on an even greater challenge – a 10.5km relay swim from Millers Point to Fish Hoek in Cape Town, completing it in under five hours despite the freezing water.
For Preyaav, who lives in Brindhaven, this was the longest distance he had ever swam.
Preyaav Singh, who lives in Verulam, this was the longest distance he had ever swam.
Image: SUPPLIED
The Grade 5 pupil at Durban North Primary School, said he was originally set to tackle the 7km Robben Island swim.
“The event was cancelled due to extremely cold water temperatures. But instead of turning back, I decided to challenge myself and take on the 10.5km swim.”
Preyaav, who is a member of Current Aquatics, a swim club, said the idea stemmed from his coach, Yolandi Williams.
“She said to me, ‘Let's go swim in Cape Town’. I couldn’t say no and was excited from the start.”
Preyaav said he swam with Williams, while his mother travelled alongside them aboard a boat.
He said it was scary when he initially jumped into the water.
“The water was really cold and I was very scared for the first 2.5km. But I didn’t want to give up; I just wanted to complete the swim. I also had my mom cheering me on, and my coach was swimming with me which gave me more courage.
“The best part of my swim was the last kilometre swimming back to the beach. When I finished I felt so proud of myself; I couldn't believe that I swam such a distance. I completed the swim in just four hours and 52 minutes,” he said.
Preyaav said he started swimming at age six.
“I never liked going into water, but something just changed and I began loving it.”
He added that in the past four years he has participated in several competitions, galas and charity events.
“The last event I took part in was the eThekwini-SALGA trials, where I received four medals; one gold and three silver. I have also participated in two Midmar Miles, three Capital-K Open Water Swims, and two Oceans 8 Charity Swims.”
Preyaav added that his dream was to represent South Africa in swimming.
“But for now, my next goal is to better my time at the 2026 Midmar Mile, and when I am 12 years old, I wish to go back to Cape Town and complete the Robben Island swim.”
Preasha Singh, his mother said: “I can never be more proud of my son. He has done so much in these past four years, and with so much of heart and enthusiasm. He also maintained a beautiful balance between swimming and school - where he excels academically. I am that type of mom that will support him in everything that he does. He is truly such a gem of a child.”
Yaveer Singh, his father added: “I am extremely proud of the swimmer he has become. He puts in so much heart in every swim. His discipline is inspiring.”