Making a Splash with Team Flippy

The second annual edition of Team Flippy’s Open Water Splash saw Maja Brinkmann as the first swimmer out of the water in the two-kilometer solo category of the competition. She completed the swim in 25 minutes and 21 seconds.

The competition was hosted by two-time Olympian, author, and entrepreneur Phillip Seidler.

Catching up with Brinkmann after the race, she mentioned that the water was quite cold.

“The goal was to win the race, and I decided, during the last two rounds around the buoys, to just take it easy.”

Next week, Brinkmann will also be in action at the Pupkewitz Jetty Mile.

In an exciting addition to the competition, the Namibian Navy participated with eight swimmers tackling 500 meters in the Swakopmund Mole. Charles Mukuua, the sports officer of the Namibian Navy, added that they hope to be invited to many more such events in the future.

Seidler stated after the event that Team Flippy’s Open Water Splash was a huge success.

“We didn’t expect to have so many participants. Last year we had 85 participants, and this year we had over 100. We’re very grateful; it was an amazing swim. We had the solos, the two-person team, the four-person team, the Namibian Navy on board, a kiddies’ category, and overall it was super fun.”

Seidler has ambitious plans for next year.

“We have started a sports event company, Team Flippy’s Organization, and we have many sports events planned throughout the year. Not only open water swimming but also running events, off-road triathlons, a swim-run, and also cycle runs. We’re also hosting a beach games event next February.”

He added that it’s all about uniting people, bringing them together, and getting everyone active and healthy.

“For us, we want to grow sports in Namibia in general, not just one category. That’s what we are focusing on, and hopefully, we can unite the community as well.”

Additionally, Seidler will also be competing in the Pupkewitz Jetty Mile.

“If I win, it will be my 11th time. I feel like there’s something special going to happen at the Jetty Mile. I feel really good. Training is going well. I had the Sandman Triathlon last Sunday, and we’re training really hard for it. Now it’s time to focus on the Jetty Mile and hopefully get the 11th title.”

In terms of participating in the Olympic games again, Seidler says it’s not a definite no.

“There is quite a big chance that I will do another Olympics because, when I’m 30, I feel like I still have one Olympics in me. At the moment, I’m in my best shape ever. I just feel like I’m getting faster and better each year. I feel like I’m hitting my prime, so I don’t want to say no.”

The rest of the results are as follows:

Solo Overall:

1 Maja Brinkmann (25:21.58)

2 Francesco Lanzone (25:27.65)

3 Jorn Buchert (26:00.58)

Solo Junior Female Overall:

1 Maja Brinkmann (25:21.58)

Solo Junior Male Overall:

1 Jorn Buchert (26:00.58)

2 Kieran Golombowski (36:10.05)

3 Christiaan Visser (44:05.73)

Solo Senior Female Overall:

1 Ciske Howard (46:14.26)

Solo Senior Male Overall:

1 Tristan Alpers (26:09.63)

2 Francois Malan (27:11.45)

3 Daniel Brinkmann (29:10.27)

Solo Master Male Overall:

1 Francesco Lanzone (25:27.65)

2 Dentie Louw (27:03.05)

3 Duncan Lester (27:16.51)



Solo Master Female Overall:

1 Ilona Sickel (29:39.10)

2 Mai-Britt Alfheim (34:53.69)

3 Nicola Steyn (38:45.71)

Two-Person Team Category:

1 Swk Kids Swimmers (30:48.17)

2 Swakopmund Swim Club (31:16.35)

2 Team Luna (31:55.05)

Four-Person Team Category:

1 Team Badenhorst (32:11.60)

2 Team Youngsters (34:47.65)

3 Swakopmund Swimming Club (36:18.01)