Blind First-Time UKZN Midmar Medallist at Home in the Water

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‘It was awesome to complete but a very tough swim,’ said first-time Midmar Mile medallist Ms Kristy Greener, a blind UKZN staffer who has idiopathic motor polyneuropathy - an illness affecting her hands and feet.

The condition causes the motor nerves of the peripheral nervous system to malfunction, with usually no obvious underlying cause found by medical doctors.

Greener said she was delighted to complete the 51st edition of the world’s largest open-water swimming event in an impressive hour and 14 minutes at Midmar Dam near Howick.

She was able to swim by the age of four, falling in love with the sport because ‘not only did it exercise my whole body, it was also safe in that as a person with a disability, I didn’t have to fear tripping or falling.’ There was also no heavy lifting involved which improved her lung capacity, preventing complications from other conditions she is susceptible to, such as asthma.

Greener, who started training in 2019, is grateful to her swimming partner, a teacher and sports co-ordinator at Impact Christian Academy in Yellowwood Park, Ms Nicola Murray. Together with her coach, Mrs Marion Barnard, they train three times a week at Make Waves KZN, a swimming club at Queensburgh’s Escombe Primary School. ‘In a pool, I swim along the lane rope. In a dam, I swim next to Nicola. We’re attached with a harness and Nicola uses this to guide me.

‘You need dedication and discipline if you want to participate in these races,’ said Greener. ‘You simply must put in the time - you need to build up stamina. Swimming the Midmar Mile means you’re on the go for 1.6km non-stop in the water! There’s no time to pause for a tea break,’ she chuckled.

Greener said she typically swims 6km a week, split over three days. ‘I love swimming, I love the water, I love the fact that it exercises all your muscles at once.’

She completed the Capital-K open water swim in 2022 and 2023 before doing the Midmar Mile this year. Next year, she plans to improve her time in the race and raise money for a mental health charity by taking on the race’s Charity Challenge.

Greener thanked the College of Health Sciences Student Support Services Manager, Dr Saloschini Pillay, and her team who she says are always motivating and supportive of her work as a Student Counsellor within the School of Health Sciences on the Westville campus.

Greener is passionate about offering free and confidential counselling to students from first-year to postgraduate level on a one-on-one basis where they address an array of personal issues, relationships, career-related matters as well as mental health and wellness.

The team is also involved in group work where they conduct psycho-educational workshops, academic skills development workshops, career exploration and guidance workshops. ‘We also refer students - including psychiatrists, medical doctors, social workers, and occupational therapists - to members of the multidisciplinary team where necessary,’ she said.

She loves spending time with her cat, Valentine, and enjoys the company of friends, family and colleagues.

Words: Lunga Memela

Photograph: Supplied