Ho claims record 7th Midmar title

Ho furthered his record at the event - but he had to fight for it as his young training partner Matthew Meyer led for much of the race.

Nevertheless the seven-time champion was ecstatic to have furthered his legacy at the world biggest open water swimming event.

"I'm happy to get the seventh one in a row - no one has ever done that. I knew Matthew was going to be a tough competitor. He's been swimming quickly in the pool so I knew he was going to be a threat. I just stuck there with him as much as I could and fortunately I came out on top," Ho said after the race.

The race winner tipped his hat to his young training partner, and hopes Meyer will taste Olympic success in the future.

"Matthew is up and coming, he's only turning 18 this year. He's got a huge future in front of him. He has the possibility of qualifying for the Olympics and myself and our coach Alistair Hatfield are pushing him to reach that goal."

Meanwhile Umhlanga's Michelle Webber became the first South African woman in 13 years to win the women's race.

Webber was up against a strong contingent of English swimmers - with England's Holly Hibbert finishing in close 2nd.

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