Rising star Aqeelah Williams. Image: Thapelo Mphalele/ UWC Sport

Thirteen-year-old Aqeelah Williams, a proud member of the University of the Western Cape Aquatics Club, delivered a standout performance at the African Zone Open Water Championships in Eswatini on 7 September 2025.

Competing in the 3km open water race, Williams claimed gold in her age group and, remarkably, recorded the fourth-fastest overall time across all age categories – an extraordinary achievement at such a young age.

Her determination and talent were equally evident in the 4x500m relay, where her team faced open-age competitors from across the continent. Against all odds, they secured third place. Williams’ contribution was pivotal: when she began her leg, the team was in fourth position, trailing Namibia by 150 metres. With composure and drive, she not only closed the gap but surged ahead, handing her teammates a 50-metre lead that proved decisive in securing third place.

Williams only began swimming competitively in February 2023, when she joined UWC Aquatics. Since then, her rise has been nothing short of exceptional. Residing in Bellville South and attending Bellville Primary, she has quickly established herself among the country’s elite young swimmers.

Derrick Orderson, UWC Sport Coordinator, said Williams is a remarkable talent. 

Aqeelah Williams in action at the African Zone Open Water Championships. Image: Thapelo Mphalele/UWC Sport

“Guided by our coaches and supported through UWC’s High Performance Institute programme, she has advanced from the entry level of competitive swimming to become one of the country’s best in her age group. Competitive swimming demands discipline and commitment, and Aqeelah has embraced that challenge fully,” he said.

She is currently ranked second in South Africa in the 3km open water swim for her age group, with a personal best time of 44:12.14. In the pool she is ranked in the top five nationally in most of her events, and holds the top national ranking in the 200m Butterfly and 400m Individual Medley. Her versatility across distances and strokes marks her as a promising all-round swimmer with particular strength in middle- and long-distance events.

Her ambition is equally bold: Williams has set her sights on representing South Africa at the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane.

Founded in 1961 at a social and recreational level and formalised in 1986, the UWC Aquatics Club has a long history of nurturing swimming talent. Today, the club boasts around 80 members in its Learn-to-Swim programme and 60 competitive swimmers, with numbers rising to more than 100 during the summer months. The club offers lessons to UWC staff, students, and the broader community, making it a vital part of the university’s sport and outreach activities.

“At UWC, we are committed to nurturing young athletes from all backgrounds, with the hope that they will one day choose UWC as their institution of study and proudly represent us on the world stage,” explained Orderson. 

Aqeelah Williams doing UWC proud. Image: Image: Thapelo Mphalele/UWC Sport

Aqeelah Williams in action at the African Zone Open Water Championships. Image: Thapelo Mphalele/UWC Sport