South African open-water swimmers Ryan Stramrood and Tracey Steyn have made history as the first skins swimmers — wearing only a costume, cap and goggles — to successfully complete the Cape Triple Crown, one of Cape Town’s most formidable marathon swimming challenges.
Steyn further cemented her place in the record books by becoming the first woman to complete the Triple Crown in skins, marking a landmark moment for South Africa’s cold-water swimming community.
The Cape Triple Crown consists of three world-class open water swims: the Double Robben Island Crossing (14,8 km), the False Bay Crossing (33 km), and the Three Capes Swim (10,2 km). The final leg, completed today, saw the swimmers traverse from Cape Point to Cape Maclear and the Cape of Good Hope under the guidance of Derrick Frazer and Big Bay Events, with official ratification by the Cape Long Distance Swimming Association (CLDSA).
Battling raw Cape conditions
The Three Capes Swim began at 07:00 in icy 12-degree water, rising to 18 degrees only after rounding Cape Point. Known for its unpredictable and often dangerous currents, the Point tested both swimmers as they fought through strong flow and limited visibility caused by thick mist. Despite the demanding conditions, Stramrood and Steyn pushed through with determination.
Steyn, also the chair of the CLDSA, described the challenge as “everything that is special about swimming in the Cape — raw beauty, unpredictability and community”, celebrating how far the sport has come and the global interest the challenge now attracts.
A new benchmark in skins swimming
For Stramrood, achieving the Triple Crown in skins was a personal and symbolic goal.
“ ‘Triple Crown’ swims are gaining recognition worldwide,” he said. “When the Cape Triple Crown was announced, I knew I needed to chase it in skins. It’s a mix of brutal distances and icy temperatures — a coveted achievement.” He also extended heartfelt congratulations to Steyn for her historic accomplishment.
The challenge was originally conceptualised by Derrick Frazer for Irish swimmer Barry Murphy before being refined by the CLDSA into its current internationally recognised format. Earlier this year, Graeme King became the first male wetsuit swimmer to complete the Triple Crown.
Strengthening Cape Town’s open-water legacy
Frazer praised the milestone, noting that the Triple Crown captures the essence of Cape Town’s open water heritage — from False Bay’s intensity to the iconic Robben Island and the dramatic Three Capes coastline.
The CLDSA has congratulated everyone involved in making this achievement possible, calling it an exciting moment for endurance swimming in Cape Town. With the Cape Triple Crown now firmly on the global radar, it is expected to inspire more swimmers, attract international competitors and elevate Cape Town as a premier destination for extreme open-water challenges.
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