South African open water swimmers Ryan Stramrood and Tracey Steyn have become the first skins swimmers (wearing a swimming costume, goggles and cap only) to complete the Cape Triple Crown, marking an extraordinary achievement for local marathon swimming. Steyn also made history by becoming the first female to achieve this incredible milestone. The Cape Triple Crown marks not only an extraordinary test of personal endurance, but also a significant moment for South Africa’s distinctive cold water swimming culture.
The Cape Triple Crown — a world-class open water challenge comprises of:
- Double Robben Island Crossing (14.8 km)
- False Bay Crossing (33 km)
- Three Capes Swim (10.2 km)
The final swim in the Cape Triple Crown, the Three Capes Swim, which connects Cape Point, Cape Maclear, and the Cape of Good Hope, was completed today under the expert guidance of Derrick Frazer and the Big Bay Events team. The swim was observed and ratified by the Cape Long Distance Swimming Association (CLDSA) in accordance with international marathon swimming standards.
Today’s Three Capes Swim began at 07:00 in water temperature of 12 degrees, later increasing to 18 degrees once the swimmers had rounded Cape Point into False Bay. Cape Point is notorious for its strong and dangerous currents, and the swimmers were not spared as they had to fight against the current to round the Point. The misty conditions added an extra layer of challenge but Stramrood and Steyn persisted.
“The Cape Triple Crown challenge represents everything that is special about swimming in the Cape — the raw beauty, the unpredictability, and the strength of our community,” said Steyn, who also serves as Chair of the CLDSA. “It’s incredible to see how far our sport has come, and to have a challenge that both local and international swimmers can aspire to. The Cape truly offers something extraordinary for swimmers to experience.”
Stramrood added, “’Triple Crown’ swimming achievements have grown in global recognition. When the Cape Triple Crown Challenge was announced as the newest crown to chase, I knew it was one I needed to wear first for the skins category! The challenge throws out a mix of tough, wind-swept distances and requires swimmers to perform in some truly chilly water temperatures, making the skins category a coveted prize for me. I am delighted to wear the crown as the first man to complete the challenge in skins and would like to extend a huge congratulations to Tracey Steyn for doing so for the women.”
The Cape Triple Crown was originally conceptualised by Derrick Frazer of Big Bay Events for Irish marathon swimmer Barry Murphy who successfully completed the initial concept swim. The Cape Triple Crown was later refined into its current format by the CLDSA to ensure accessibility, safety, consistency and compliance with international standards applied to marathon swims. Earlier this year, Graeme King became the first male wetsuit swimmer to complete the challenge.
Frazer applauded the achievement: “This cements the Cape Triple Crown as a world-class challenge. The combination of False Bay, the Robben Island Double, and the Three Capes captures the very essence of Cape Town’s open water heritage.”
The CLDSA extends its warm congratulations to everyone involved in ensuring the skins swimmers completed the Three Capes Swim successfully. This accomplishment marks an exciting milestone for long-distance open water swimming in Cape Town. With the Cape Triple Crown setting a new benchmark, it is poised to inspire more athletes, attract international interest, and further strengthen Cape Town’s reputation as a world-class destination for endurance swimming.
