Anton van Niekerk

Anton was a graduate of Afrikaans Hoër in Pretoria and a Northern Transvaal Springbok who first won the 400 IM at nationals in 1977. He died of a heart attack in Durban on 19 April 1983. He was an accountancy student at the University of Pretoria and was completing his studies in Durban, where he also swam for Natal at the 1982 nationals in Pretoria, winning both the 200 and 400 IM's.

1982 Midmar Mile

• Men’s winner: Gary Brinkman (19:05)
• Men’s second: Anton Van Niekerk (19:06)
• Men’s third: Hugh Ross (19:47)
• Women's winner: Patricia Butcher (20:30)
• Women’s second: Susan Butcher (21:11)
• Women’s third: Gail Jeffrey (21:27)
• Boys U14 winner: Darren Coetzee (20:55)
• Girls U14 winner: Lauren Brukman (21:23)
• Iron Man: Danny Biggs
• Iron Woman: Paddy Williams

Oldest finisher: George May, age 67 (no time found)
Men competing: (not found)
Women competing: (not found)
Total no. of competitors: 2327

This year saw almost 3000 entrants with an adjusted race format to allow for the numbers. The race was split into four events: event one with girls 14 and under and women 31 and older; event two with boys 14 and under and men 31 and older; event three with women 14-30 years; and event four with men 14-30 years. This was also the first time that entries organiser, Ray Fish, would enter the race as well.

Another dramatic finish developed with Gary Brinkman beating the late Anton van Niekerk, probably one of the most versatile Springboks ever, in a dash to the line for his second victory. Springbok, Hugh Ross was third. Brinkman also left for the USA on scholarship before being able to attempt his third victory. Pat Butcher became the first woman to win three in a row and this time round had to defend her title against her sister, Susan. Gail Jeffrey came third in the main women's event.