A Cape Town karate teacher became the first woman to swim breaststroke to and from Robben Island to raise funds for a Vrygrond school this week.
Kim Prytz, swam 10:26:39 from Big Bay to Robben Island and back to complete the 15 kilometre swim on Tuesday.
Prytz began at sunrise at around 7am and emerged from the ocean just before 6pm.
The 48-year-old karate teacher took on the challenge to raise funds for Capricorn Primary School in Vrygrond.
Last year, Prytz also became the first woman to swim a single breaststroke from Robben Island to Melkbosstrand.
She said the swim was her biggest challenge to date.
“I love being in the ocean and swimming. Being in the ocean with no thoughts is an extraordinary thing.
“There are times when you are tested to your limits and your body has given up but something essential in you continues on. This time was by far the toughest swim thus far,” said Prytz.
Spokesperson of the Cape Long Distance Swimming Association (CLDSA), Craig Bishop confirmed Prytz was the first person to complete the challenge.
“She is the first person ever to swim the double island breaststroke. She was the first woman to do a single last year. Single means you swim from Robben Island to the Big Bay. For double you start on the beach in Big Bay, and you swim to the island, touch it and swim back without resting,” he said.
“We are incredibly proud. It shows that if you put your mind into something you can definitely do it no matter who you are. She is a normal person but she put her mind to it. It also showcases that she is a fantastic person.”