The South African ‘malume’ (uncle) who went viral over his valiant attempt at swimming attracted positive karma from a moment that could’ve ended in ridicule.
This swimming trainer gifts ‘malume’ with free lessons
Social media was abuzz with cackles after video footage surfaced showing malume, whose real name is Welile Msomi, in a swimming race. This was a family event, and Msomi, possibly well aware he lacked aquatic skills, had enough courage to step forward and participate in the single-lap amateur race.
Malume’s dive alone was a clear indication of his swimming abilities or lack thereof. His competitors breezed ahead with immaculate ease while Msomi kicked and punched, barely able to pick up any momentum.
However, what impressed many who saw the viral clip was malume’s tenacity. Boosted by cheers from his family, Msomi forged ahead, twisting and turning in the water to pull himself forward and, finally, coming in last, he made it to the finish line.
Msomi’s epic fail in the swimming pool garnered ridicule, but aquatics coach and founder of Swimmanawe, Khumbela Ramaru, found inspiration in the man’s determination.
“Malume’s determination is the most impressive of all. He is a finisher; he never gave up. He is good. It was the issue of stamina, he easily got tired. The swimming talent is there,” the swimming academy cheered in a series of tweets.
An effort was made to track down Msomi, who, it was discovered, hails from Belfast, Mpumalanga. Thanks to the viral moment, malume has been offered free lessons by Ramaru, and, from what we understand, arrangements are being made to get Msomi to the Swimmanawe academy in Pretoria north.
Here is the viral video clip of malume’s brave showing at the amateur swimming race.
Malume trying his luck 🍀 pic.twitter.com/zRriEXtS8h
— Daniel Marven (@danielmarven) July 11, 2022