Similo Dlamini’s sixth Midmar Mile marks triumphant return after life-changing amputation

For Similo Dlamini, the water has always been home.

The 42-year-old accountant form KwaMashu in Durban has spent most of her life chasing the freedom she feels in the pool or the ocean.

“I’m born and bred in Durban, grew up in KwaMashu. I am 42, and I'm an accountant by profession, and I'm differently abled. I was born with a condition called PFFD (Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency) where my right leg didn't fully develop, so I use a prosthetic limb to be able to get around,” Similo told Independent Media Sport exclusively this week, after adding a new chapter to her story at the world's biggest open-water swim. 

A new chapter

For her, this year’s sixth outing at Midmar Dam was different. Special. Emotional.

“Last year June, I had an amputation,” Dlamini said. “So this was my first activity post that operation. So it was a bit of a special one because just been trying to get back to myself, really.”

For an athlete who thrives on movement, the decision to undergo surgery was not taken lightly. Before the procedure, she felt increasingly restricted.

“I felt very restricted mobility-wise, since I'm such an active person. I wanted to improve my mobility, that was the main thing. I want to be able to run. I've never been able to really run or ride a bike.”

Her prosthetic is still being made, and she is currently navigating life on crutches. Yet, as always, Similo leaned into the challenge.

Navigating change 

“I'm quite independent, so I've had to learn very quickly how to navigate this new world on one leg and these crutches. And it's been a bit of a challenge, but I mean, I'm always up for that.”

Swimming became both testing ground and therapy. Her first return to the pool was cautious.

“My first swim was just a matter of just getting into the water… just like, okay, let's go in. How does it actually feel now with this new sensation?”

It felt right.

By late January, she was building distance again – 2km sessions, 1.6km efforts, careful tapering before race day to ensure she didn't burn out. There was no open-water preparation this time, only disciplined pool work and gym sessions. But when race morning arrived at Midmar Dam, she was ready. 

A family celebration 

“Oh, race day was amazing. The weather was fantastic … the conditions were just so pleasant.”

Supported by her godmother and little cousin, Dlamini’s return became a family celebration. She finished in 52 minutes and 59 seconds – comfortably under her one-hour target – and placed sixth in a 15-strong differently abled female field.

“I think I did pretty well on those two. I had fun and I finished in 52:59. I would have liked to have a podium finish again, but unfortunately I came sixth this time around. I'm happy about that,” she said.

In 2024 she finished third in her category. But for Dlamini, the numbers only tell part of the story.

“It's very intimidating but when you're there, when you're feeling it, when you're in the water,  that's where you actually surprise yourself,” she said. “Crossing the finish line … you start hearing the sounds, you start hearing the people. The adrenaline is just on another level.”

Thrill seeker 

Adrenaline is a recurring theme in her life. Beyond swimming, Dlamini is a decorated parasurfer, claiming two KZN and SA Parasurfing Championship female kneel division titles in 2022 and 2023, winning the kneel division at the Parasurf League Open, and representing South Africa at the World Parasurfing Championships. She has twice been nominated for Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability at the KZN Sports Awards.

She laughs when asked if she is an adrenaline junkie.

“No, you know what? It’s right up there. I am. I own it and it's fine and I love it.”

Next up is the SA Para Surfing Championships in April, where she will once again compete in the kneel division. She hopes that her new prosthetic – designed to improve her mobility both on land and potentially in the water – will eventually allow her to explore different competitive categories.

“I wouldn't have gone through this if it was not gonna improve my life,” she said. “It was difficult, very painful, but I think – no, I know – it's gonna be worth it.” 

Constant companion

Away from sport, Dlamini is equally driven. The former Crawford College North Coast pupil is currently registered for a master’s degree in development finance at Stellenbosch University. She balances elite sport, demanding study and full-time work, all while being, in her words, “the greatest aunt” to her two nieces.

Since creche days – when she remembers racing at Durban’s old Brickfield Swimming Pool – water has been her constant. But now, after the surgery, each stroke carries deeper meaning.

“As much as it's a hobby, but, if you can push yourself to do a little better every year, why not?” she responded, when asked about her future Midmar goals

For Similo Dlamini, the answer has always been the same: why not, indeed.