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The wisdom, insight and clarity of vision of our youth so clearly shines through this brilliant young swimmer Chanté Cornelius. She is grounded in Christ, she is strong in her swimming but also has the depth of vision that life goes beyond sport and that relationships and time to care about others is just as important. She is proudly the twin sister to Nathasha Cornelius.
She brings energy and quality to her team and says “I am a 16 year old girl who puts all my faith in God. I am hard on myself and expect excellence from everyone around me. I enjoy life and seize the moments of happiness given in everyday stuff”.
Athlete: Bio / Stats |
|
| Name & Surname | Chanté Cornelius |
| Nick Name | Té |
| Date of birth | 8 November 2001 |
| Place of birth | Pretoria |
| Current City | Pretoria |
| Height | 1,69m |
| Weight | 60kg |
| Shoe Size | 6 |
| Club | Pretoria Aquatic Club |
| Coach’s Name | Eugene da Ponte |
| Out of Country events/ meets | Gholfinos Sprint Gala |
| Secondary Sport/ sports | I used to play hockey |
| Favorite City | San Fransisco |
| Favorite Song/ type of music | Let me go – Hailee Steinfeld |
| Favorite Movie | The Choice |
| School & Grade | Die Hoërskool Menlopark – grade 11 |
| Twitter and Instagram names, facebook name | Instagram – @chante.cor |
| Parents Names, siblings | Father – Richard
Mother – Dalene Brother – Jean-Michael Twin Sister – Natasha |
INTERVIEW:
Q: You are passionate and doing so well in your Swimming tell me a little bit about how you started in Swimming and your journey in the Swimming arena up to now?
In grade 1 everyone had to take part in the Inter-house swimming trials. I made the team and the swimming coach told my parents that I had talent. My parents then took me for extra swimming lessons with Eugene, my current coach. He has helped me grow in my swimming and I can gladly say, if it weren’t for his input, hard work and dedication, I would not be where I am today.
Q: Who are you? Describe yourself as a person.
I am a 16 year old girl who puts all my faith in God. I am hard on myself and expect excellence from everyone around me. I enjoy life and seize the moments of happiness given in everyday stuff.
Q: What is the highest accolade that you have achieved in Swimming and what is your greatest personal accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment in swimming was when I won a gold medal in 50 fly at Junior Nationals in 2017. I was very happy with my bronze in 100 fly too.
My biggest personal accomplishment was when I came 4th in 100 fly at SA Short Course in 2017. Personal accomplishment would definitely be the moment I realized the blessing to be one of a twin..
Q: What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
My mom always tells me – always be kind, no matter what.
Q: What is your biggest challenge, and what do you do to manage this challenge?
Being myself, because in today’s social society and what the media prompts from you, it is difficult not to lose the real you. I stay grounded by socializing with friends with the same values and morals I believe in. Listen to good advice and follow my heart.
Q: So, you are a brilliant swimmer and academic – but name 1 thing that you suck at 🙂
Playing video games ….. and running fast.
Q: Do you want to share a little on your faith journey so far?
God has been good to me across my swimming career; talent is not the only requirement to be successful in any sport, cultural or academic field. You also need dedication, good attitude and people who believe in you as much as you believe in yourself. I am truly blessed to have all of the above. And the fact that I have not had any injuries that caused me to not be able to train.
Q: What are you most grateful for in your life at the moment?
I am most grateful for a loving and supporting family that always has my back. I am also very grateful for my friends that stuck by my side. I am ultimately grateful for a loving God.
Q: In your opinion, how do you define success in life?
Success to me is when someone sets a goal and gives their best to achieve it. A successful person is one who achieves their goals and ultimately lives their goals and dreams to the fullest. One that does not give up, a person that gives nothing less than their best, whether they achieve their goal or not, if they learnt something while giving their excellence, then it is a success.
Q: What’s your WHY?
Swimming has become part of who I am, and I see it as a learning school as well as a tool to make dreams a reality, it forms a great part of my being. I swim because I enjoy it and through living a dream I learn many life lessons.
The example I want to set for others is to never give up, always stay true to yourself and to always give your best.
Thank you so much for taking this interview. We would like to wish you all the best for your journey ahead. We look forward to following you as you go from strength to strength. Blessings!
