Deaf Today: SA grabs the gold at Deaflympics

January 10, 2005

SA grabs the gold at Deaflympics

From: Sunday Times, South Africa - Jan 10, 2005

Monday January 10, 2005 07:44 - (SA)

Super swimming Terence Parkin and the Gauteng-based Lessing brothers, Nick and Greg, increased the momentum of Team SA's medal challenge at the swimming arena, at the 20th Deaflympics in Melbourne, Australia on Sunday.

KwaZulu Natal-based Parkin - fresh from setting a Deaflympic 400m freestyle and deaf 50m breaststroke world record on Saturday, claimed gold in the individual medley event in 2 min 11,46 secs, before teaming up with Nick Lessing, Greg Lessing and Marko Jansen to claim the 4x200m relay honours in 8:03,03.

Greg Lessing continued to create waves of success for Team SA, in winning the 200m backstroke in 2:08,54, with Nick Lessing finishing second in 2:14,00.

By the end of the fourth day's action at the Deaflympics, Team SA's medal tally stood at a total of six (5 gold, one silver), courtesy of the swimming representatives.

Team SA Chef de Mission Tony Heyns said that all sports-loving South Africans have reason to be proud of the performances that the swimmers achieved at the Deaflympics, and thanked the National Lottery Board for their financial input, which made it possible for Team SA to compete at the Deaflympics.

Sapa