Strong Midmar Mile contingent
Federico Colbertaldo will head a group that includes a powerful international contingent competing in this year's Midmar Mile swim, starting this weekend.
Colbertaldo, the current European 800m record holder, also picked up a bronze medal in the 800m freestyle at the 2007 Fina world swimming championships in Melbourne, Australia.
"I am very excited to be here in South Africa to participate in the Midmar Mile," said Colbertaldo.
"It will be a new experience for me to swim with so many people, but I am certainly looking forward to the challenge."
The 23-year-old will be part of the seven-man Italian squad and will be accompanied by his coach Branislav Dinic and seasoned middle distance swimmer, Lucca Baggio. There is also the exciting foursome of David Alberton, Filipo Ton, Luca Salerno, and Stefano Fabrin.
Also competing will be defending champion, Chad Ho, who will be pushed by South African Jasper Venter.
Venter has dominated the domestic scene in the northern region.
Slovenian open water swimming stalwart Nika Kozamernik will come to the event with a wealth of experience, having participated in the inaugural Olympic marathon swimming 10km event in Beijing in 2008.
Kozamernik has been a regular competitor at Fina world championships and marathon series.
"I'm really looking forward to competing in the Midmar Mile and have heard so much about this fantastic event," she said.
With registration stretched to Friday, the organisers are expecting a field close to 16 000 competitors.