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Fresh and Hungry: Talea J Claassens

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Gratefulness makes you powerful. This beautiful quality so clearly  comes through  as I connect in this interview with young swimming champion girl – Talea Claasens. She has a will and determination of steel to not just succeed but the find the good and the positive in all areas in swimming and in life.

Talea is grounded in her Faith in Christ and has a bright future ahead of her. She is going from strength to strength on her swim journey as she has just competed at Junior and Senior nationals. She is a  true leader and is set on leaving a brilliant legacy for our young swimmers. She is Team Captain for the TUKS swim quad at the SAX training facility, and takes the position seriously as she strives to motivate and encourage our youth to reach for their dreams.

She says “I am a girl who cannot live without swimming, I am a very bubbly person, I’m almost never silent. I care deeply for the people around me and for the environment. I am forgiving, hard working, determined and passionate about everything I put my mind to. I believe that once you start something you have to finish it. I love to look on the bright side of situations although it isn’t always the easiest thing to do.”

Athlete: Bio / Stats
Name & Surname Talea J Claassens 
Nick Name TJ
Date of birth 15 July 2000
Place of birth Centurion
Current City Centurion
Height 166
Weight 54
Shoe Size 4/5
Club Tuks Swimming
Coach’s Name Keenan Riffle and Rocco Mering
Out of Country events Golfinhos Sprint Gala
Secondary Sports Cross Country and Athletics
Favorite City Washington
Favorite Song/ type of music Shape of you – Ed Sheeran
Favorite Movie The Notebook
School & Grade Southdowns College, Grade 11
Instagram

Facebook

 talea_claassens

Talea J Claassens
Parents Names, siblings Mom: Michelle Leslie

Dad: Niel Claassens

Brother: Calin Claassens

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?

My swimming career started when I was very young, I had to start attending swimming because I had fallen into the pool and almost drowned and at the same time my brother was busy doing competitive. I then started to do competitive swimming alongside him. Since then I’ve gone from struggling to qualify for Level 2 ( new level 3) to swimming my second Junior National gala and first Youth National gala.

Q:  Who are you? 

I am a girl who cannot live without swimming, I am a very bubbly person, I’m almost never silent. I care deeply for the people around me and for the environment. I am forgiving, hardworking, determined and passionate about everything I put my mind to. I believe that once you start something you have to finish it. I love to look on the bright side of situations although it isn’t always the easiest thing to do.

Q: What is the highest accolade that you have achieved in Swimming and what is your greatest personal accomplishment?

My greatest personal accomplishment would be when I qualified for Junior Nationals in 2015, to me this meant that all my hard work had finally paid off and that every early morning and late night next to the pool was and will always be worth it. My highest accolade would be when I was announced Female Team Captain to the Tuks group who train at SAX arena because it made me realize that putting inspiration into young swimmers/athletes/ kids is one of the most important lessons in life otherwise they might never realize their talents.

Q: Would you like to share a little bit more about your faith journey and how it has affected your life / sports?

I believe that God is the reason I am able to be doing what I am and every chance I get, I thank him for keeping me safe and focused on what is important and what is not.

Q: In your opinion, what is the value of Education in a young person’s life?

Education is everything. Without education our world would not be as evolved as it is today, education shapes our future and develops new and improved ways to better our world everyday. I also firmly believe that our bodies are growing old and one day we might not be able to do the things we are able to do now, but our minds will be able to.

Q: So you swim well and are doing well in academics but name 1 thing that you suck at?

I suck at Hockey, I can’t hit a ball with a stick to save my life.

Q: What is your favorite meal and who must cook it?

I am a sucker for hot-dogs, I don’t mind who makes them if in the end I get a hot-dog, I am happy.

Q: What or where do you draw inspiration from?

I find inspiration in the people around me, the people who are having the worst possible day but still smile at the end of it, the people who are struggling but keep struggling because they know at the end it’s going to be worth it. I find my inspiration in the people who decide to never say never.

Q: What is your biggest challenge currently , and what do you do to manage this challenge?

  • The biggest challenge for me was to move from an Afrikaans school to an English school  in Grade 10, I found it difficult to understand some of the English terminology but I made the effort to study extra hard and when I don’t understand something to figure it out.

Q: What’s your WHY ? 

I swim because to me swimming is like breathing, it something I can’t live without. I do it because I love the feeling after a race when you have given it your all, that feeling when your legs are numb and your muscles are burning. I swim because when I hear my coach say: ” Talea, Talea, Talea…” no matter the words that follow I would always feel a rush of relief because someone who inspired me is busy taking time to teach or congratulate me. I swim because every time I jump into the water it feels like I’m home. I swim because swimming makes me feel at peace and happy.

I want to inspire people to give it their all to feel the numbing feeling in your body and to feel the pride after giving it your all, I want to help people realize that they are not the only ones who struggle and that they can trust the people around them. I want to motivate people to better themselves daily and to better themselves with a smile on their face and to do it because they want to not because someone else told them to.

Q: What are you most grateful for at the moment?

I am also most grateful for the brilliant coaches that I have who are always pushing me to my limits and further and I am so grateful to Kaitlyn Albertyn who has helped me become more positive and more enthusiastic about the little things in life and my parents who made me who I am.

Q: Anything else you would like to share?

Something that I live by is that nothing is impossible because the word impossible itself says I’m possible- Michael Phelps

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!

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Home Interviews Sports Swimming

Meet the Young Athletes: Kristin Lottering

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She is young, she is smart, she is fast, she is ambitious, she is hard working and she is definitely the face of our youth in 2017. Meet this champion swimmer girl Kristin Lottering. Grounded by her faith in Christ and her brilliant upbringing this young lady is one to watch for the future. She is proudly coached by Coach Dad – Frank Lottering, head coach at Lottering Aquatics – Limpopo. She is an advocate for human rights and equality and a big animal lover as well.  She has multiple Victrix Ludorum and other titles behind her name. But her ultimate end game is to become one of the world’s greatest female Olympians. She is brave and courageous and embraces ambition.

She says “I want little girls to look up to me one day. I want to be the best me I can be. I want to show people that nothing is impossible if you just believe (a Cinderella story). And dare yourself to do the things that scare you and get out of your comfort zone. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”.

Athlete: Bio / Stats
Name & Surname Kristin Lottering
Nick Name Kris
Date of birth 16 February 2004
Place of birth Middelburg, Mpumalanga
Current City Thabazimbi
Height 1.55m
Weight 56Kg
Shoe Size 7
Club Lottering Aquatics
Coach’s Name Frank Lottering
Out of Country events/ meets Not yet
Secondary Sport/ sports Swimming
Favorite City Tokyo
Favorite Song/ type of music Girl on fire by Alica Keys
Favorite Movie The 5th wave
School & Grade Laerskool Thabazimbi, Grade 7
Sponsors None yet
(Twitter and Instagram names, Facebook name) Kristin_Lottering

INTERVIEW

Q: At what age did you start Swimming and why?

At the age of five. I love playing in the water and I used to imagine I was a mermaid swimming in the sea with dolphins.

Q: Who are you? Describe yourself as a person and also the qualities you would like to see in yourself in the future.

I’m a big animal lover hence I have a miniature maltese poodle named Beeno. I’m a big fan of people being treated equally regardless of color, gender and creed. I believe in respect and loyalty.

I want little girls to look up to me one day. I want to be the best me I can be. I want to show people that nothing is impossible if you just believe (a Cinderella story). And dare yourself to do the things that scare you and get out of your comfort zone. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.

Q: Would you like to share some highlights about your Swimming events so far?

  • I took the Victrix Ludorum at my old school 7 times from the age of 6 to 12.
  • At this year’s SA Schools I won a gold medal for the 50m butterfly for girls 13 years old, 2 silver medals for the 50m back and the 100m back.
  • At level 3 this year a gold medal for the 50m backstroke, a silver medal for the 100m backstroke and a third place for the 50m butterfly.
  • At the Limpopo Championships I took the Victrix Ludorum 3 times.
  • I received Limpopo colors 11 times for schools and club.
  • I qualified for SA Short Course in 2016 and again for 2017.
  • Total medals: 260 medals. Gold- 198 , Silver- 38 , bronze- 24.
  • Best times:

50m fly-31:10

50m free- 29:68

50m back- 33:47

100m back- 1:14:12

100m free- 1:06:13

Q: Tell me a little bit about your home and school life?

Our family consists out of 4 members. My blue bulls supporter dad, Frank Lottering who is also my coach. My loving mom, Chrisna Lottering who supports me with everything I do and my awesome sister, Marina Lottering who is my number 1 fan and she is my rock.

I am in Laerskool Thabazimbi. My favourite teacher is juffrou Reeta Grobler who is my math teacher. My friends; Chrisna, Zane, Reane, Jahne, Talita, Elisna, Karla, Kaylin, Mikayla is the reason why I go to school every day(accept for the academics of course) the also support me very much and I am very thankfull for having friends like them.

Q: What is your big dream in life  🙂 ?

  • I am working to qualify for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
  • I would like to qualify for the World Championships
  • To qualify for the World Cup Series and World Championships Short Course.
  • To be the greatest woman swimmer of all time.
  • To beat the unbeatable.
  • To one day be in the same national team as Chad Le Clos, Jarred Crous, Armandt Maritz.

Q: I know you are brilliant little swimmer – but name the one thing that you suck at 🙂 ?

Being friendly in the morning. Saying no to sweeties and chocolates which are the devil (Suzelle DIY)

Q: Why is it important to try and excel at academics at school?

  • Swimming actually helped me to improve my academics.
  • My average last term was 87%.
  • Academics is important to me because if it wasn’t for the fact that I had to go to school I would be in the water all day.
  • I love to learn new things every day and if I can’t find the solution to something I try until I figure it out.

Q: What is your favorite food? And who must cook it J?

Potato Wedges made especially by Marina.

Q: Who is your Swimming / art / sport hero?  What have you learned from him / her?

  • Swimming; Chad Le Clos. That what happened to his parents didn’t change him it made him stronger. An arrow can only be shot by pulling it backward. When life is dragging you back with difficulties it means it’s going to launch you into something great. Never give up.

Q: What is your personal favourite motivational quote?

Win without boasting, lose without excuses.

Q: What is your favourite Bible Verse?

Jeremiah 29:11 “for I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Q: At this point and time – what are you most grateful for in your life?

That I have a wonderful family that supports me all the way and always make it possible for me to go to galas. And for making me who I am today.

Thank you so much for taking this interview. We would like to wish you all the best for your Swimming, academics and art journey ahead. We look forward to following you as you go from strength to strength. Blessings!

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Home Sports Tokyo 2020

Tokyo 2020 Olympics: Flying Cars

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Toyota has joined the flying car craze by backing a group working on a drone-like vehicle that would soar 10 meters (33 feet) above the ground at speeds up to 100 km/h (62 mph). The “Skydrive” is being developed by Cartivator, a startup with around 30 young volunteers working with drone expert Masafumi Miwa from Tokushima University. The aim is to get the car flying by next year and have it commercialized in time to light the 2020 Tokyo Olympic games torch.

The 2.9 meter (9.5 foot) long SkyDrive would be the “world’s smallest” flying EV, though it’s worth noting that as of today, there are exactly no commercial flying cars. Cartivator’s model would be able to take off from any public road and be “intuitive” and easy to control, according to its Zenmono crowdfunding page.

Toyota chipped in around 40 million yen ($353,000) and offered the expertise of its mechanical engineers. The group has also received help from Taizo Sun, the founder of Japanese web game developer GungHoOnline Entertainment, and about 2.5 million yen ($22,000) in crowdfunding pledges.

A lot of companies, including Uber, Larry Page’s Kitty Hawk startup and Chinese firm Ehang are working on flying cars, making them the tech world’s fanciful product du jour. However, testing and certifying aircraft in the US requires millions of dollars and the cooperation of federal regulators, so building one isn’t as easy as some pundits are making it seem. The HondaJet, for instance, was certified by the FAA in 2015, 12 years after the original proof-of-concept craft made its first flight.

Flying cars have fired the public’s imagination for decades, and the technology seems to be finally falling into place to make it happen. However, even if someone did build a cheap, safe and efficient sky car, officials would have to figure out how to license them, train pilots and work them into the air traffic control system, among numerous other hurdles.

However, Toyota has become keen on new technology, and announced plans last week to invest around 1.05 trillion yen ($9.3 billion) on new technology, even if it may seem outlandish now. “Things will not progress if you wait and provide money only when the technology is ready,” Toyota Chairman Takeshi Ichiyamada told Nikkei Asian Revew.

Source: Cartivator (Japanese)

Athletics Home Sports

Simbine out to conquer the world

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With an impressive start to his 2017 season on the domestic front already under his belt, Akani Simbine now turns his focus to the international circuit and his onslaught on a medal at the World Championships in London in August.

After running five sub 10 second races in South Africa and setting the second best time in the world of 9.92 seconds, Simbine really threw down the gauntlet to his rivals when he decimated an incredibly strong field at the first Diamond League race in Doha on 5 May. Despite a slower start, Simbine made short work of former world record holder, Asafa Powell, former World and Olympic champion, Justin Gatlin, and Canada’s Andre De Grasse – who won the bronze medal at the recent Olympics in both the 100m and 200m. These are huge scalps and should be ringing ominous warning bells for his competitors.

“I’m really excited, as I have had a great start to the season. There are obviously a few things that I need to work on, but it seems my race plan is coming together nicely,” says Simbine. “My team and I have worked hard for this and I cannot wait to head off to Europe.”

Simbine will make an appearance in Berlin before traveling to Gemona on 21 May for a solid block of training, before heading West on 1 June to compete in the Boston Street Race on 4 June. 

Before his departure it was announced that he will now also be associated with the Mercedes-Benz Cars brand in South Africa.

“Mercedes-Benz is personified by excellence, style, speed and inspiration. This is why we are ecstatic that Akani Simbine, who recently scorched the track in Tshwane when he ran the fastest 100m ever in South Africa, will join the family as a Friend of the Brand,” says Selvin Govender, Marketing Director, Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa.

His next stop is Kingston, Jamaica, where he will line up in the farewell race of Usain Bolt on 10 June. “For me that is a big race. Obviously the main focus is London and the World Championships, but this will be a race I wouldn’t want to miss. It will take place at Jamaica National stadium. Final starting line has yet to be announced but it is rumoured the likes of Asafa Powell and Johan Blake will be contenders for this race. It is a strong field so I will need to be at my best.”

Simbine will spend a few days in Jamaica training with Bolt, as he did in 2016, before their race on 10 June.

Following this, Simbine will head back to his base in Gemona, Italy, before lining up in Budapest on 4 July at the same meeting that last year saw him defeat Powell for the first time and set the South African Record of 9.89sec, the István Gyulai Memorial.

“That race has special memories for me. The SA record was big, but beating Powell for the first time was the real breakthrough. I always knew I could do it, but now the rest of the sprinters know it too. Maybe I can break the record there again, I know I can go as low 9.8.” 

Simbine has already clocked six sub 10 second 100m sprints in 2017, bringing his total tally to 11 sub 10 second races.

“Not only does his inspiring personality, discipline and incredible sportsmanship fit with the Mercedes-Benz ethos, he is also a natural fit with our AMG performance models when he burns up the track as he did in Doha recently, beating a highly-decorated field to start his season with a victory.” 

“Akani is definitely on a winning streak and yet he competes with so much humility and appreciation for his supporters. We are proud of our association with him and as he has proved that dynamite comes in small packages, we are going to support him in Europe while he trains at Gemona with a smart* Brabus, truly a performance model as well, to nip around. We wish him the best for this solid block of training and all the upcoming competitions,” concludes Govender. 

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Meet the Young Athletes: Kaitlyn Albertyn

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Kaitlyn Albertyn is a mere 15 years old this year, and I was deeply inspired by her wisdom, insight and vision for the future. She has had her fair share of hardship in her young swimming career, and yet has managed to withstand and rise up again, put back her costume and goggles right back on and succeed brilliantly at this year’s Junior National Championships.

There is real girl power coming through in her brilliant interview below, this truly gives hope and expectation for SA’s swimmers. When young women step into their rightful place in sport and society, it is indeed a stunning thing to behold, and Kaitlyn is definaltely moving in this direction. I love the fact that she does not shy away from the word ambition.

She says “ I am a girl with a love for swimming. I am a person who believes in the power of your mind and that positivity is the key to success. I am hard working, determined and ambitious. I am someone who believes that goals should be scary and that there is nothing wrong with striving to be the best you can be. I believe that luck doesn’t exist and that you get nowhere without work and dedication”.

Athlete: Bio / Stats
Name & Surname Kaitlyn Albertyn
Nick Name Kaity
Date of birth 23 August 2002
Place of birth Pretoria
Current City Pretoria
Height 172cm
Shoe Size 6/7
Club TUKS Swimming
Coach’s Name Rocco Mering
Out of Country events/ meets Golfinhos Sprint Gala
Secondary Sport/ sports Open Water Swimming
Favorite Song/ type of music Shape of You – Ed Sheeran
School & Grade Pretoria High School for Girls Grade 9
Instagram names Instagram- kaitlyn.albertyn
Parents Names, siblings Mom- Megan Albertyn

Dad- Gary Albertyn

Brother- Connor Albertyn

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?

I have swum for as long as I can remember. For most of my primary school years I swam for fun and was never really serious about it. When I was about eleven, I fell in love with swimming. I fell in love with the feel of the water on my skin. I fell in love with the atmosphere and vibes at galas. I fell in love with everything about it. For the next few years I swam more seriously and started getting better, until a few weeks after my thirteenth birthday when my entire world came crashing down. As dramatic as it sounds, that is what swimming had become- my world. So when the doctor told me I couldn’t swim because of a shoulder injury, I was devastated. I was a swimmer told not to swim and it was one of the hardest times of my life. After a long seven months and two weeks, I was finally able to swim again. Now being back in the water for a little under a year, I cannot be happier to be swimming again.

Q: Who are you? Describe yourself as a person.

I am a girl with a love for swimming. I am a person who believes in the power of your mind and that positivity is the key to success. I am hard working, determined and ambitious. I am someone who believes that goals should be scary and that there is nothing wrong with striving to be the best you can be. I believe that luck doesn’t exist and that you get nowhere without work and dedication.

Q: What is the highest accolade that you have achieved in Swimming and what is your greatest personal accomplishment?

My highest accolade, and probably my greatest personal achievement, would be going to Junior National 2017 and qualifying for Youth Nationals. While that might not be big for some, to me it shows all the progress I have made and all the things I have endured to be able to swim again after my shoulder injury.

Q: Would you like to share a little bit more about your faith journey and how it has affected your life / sports?

I always try to remember when swimming that God is the reason I am able to. He has given me a healthy body and the talent to do what I do and I owe it all to Him.

Q: What do you do to relax?

To relax I like to hang out with friends and see my family. I also enjoy listening to music and absolutely love to read. I like to bake and to cook as well.

Q: In your opinion, what is the value of Education in a young person’s life?

I believe that knowledge is power and that you can never stop learning. I think it is so important to remember how vital education is in a person’s life. As much as we hate to admit it, we can’t swim forever and it is important that we have good education so we are able to go places. School teaches you so much. Not just facts and subjects but also life lessons. It teaches us time management and social interaction and persistence and resilience. These are things that not only benefit us in life, but also in swimming.

Q: So you swim well and are doing well in academics but name 1 thing that you suck at J

I suck at dancing and singing and just about anything musical.

Q: What is your personal favourite motivational quote?

It’s a mental game. Your body is screaming at you. It comes down to who can ignore it the longest.”

Q: What is your favourite Bible / Scripture quote?

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11.

Q: What’s your WHY ?  

I swim for that ache in your muscles and that burn in your lungs. I swim for that rush of endorphins and for that pure, unrelenting joy. I swim for the friends you make and the lessons you learn. I swim for that moment you hit the wall and look up at the scoreboard. I swim for myself.

I hope to influence the youth to strive for bravery, because in my opinion, that is a truly great person. But you cannot just be brave; you also have to be positive. You can do nothing unless you believe you can. I also hope to influence them to remember that competition is healthy, but it is also very important to build relationships with the swimmers around you. They are the ones who understand what you are going through, they have been there themselves.

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!

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FINA Swimming World Rankings – 90 Days to Budapest

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17th FINA World Championships

Budapest – Balatonfured 14th to 30th July 2017

With 90 days to go to the 17th FINA World Championships, these were the swimming world rankings.

 

Latest Women’s world ranking times: 

 50 m freestyle

  1. Sarah Sjostrom (SWE) 23.83 Swim Open Stockholm 08.04.2017
  2. Pernille Blume (DEN) 24.14 Danish Open Bronshoj 03.04.2017
  3. Ranomi Kromowidjojo (NED) 24.34 Swim Cup The Hague 04.03.2017

100 m freestyle

  1. Sarah Sjostrom (SWE) 52.54 Swim Open Stockholm 08.04.2017
  2. Cate Campbell (AUS) 52.78 Australian Championships Brisbane 09.04.2017
  3. Bronte Campbell (AUS) 52.85 Australian Championships Brisbane 09.04.2017

200 m freestyle

  1. Michelle Coleman (SWE) 1:55.64 Swim Open Stockholm 08.04.2017
  2. Emma McKeon (AUS) 1:55.68 Australian Championships Brisbane 09.04.2017
  3. Frederica Pellegrini (ITA) 1:55.94 Italian Champs Riccione 06.04.2017

400 m freestyle

  1. Katie Ledecky (USA) 4:01.01 Arena Pro Swim Series Mesa 13.04.2017
  2. Li Bingjie (CHN) 4:02.52 Chinese Champs Quindae 08.04.2017
  3. Ariarne Titmus (AUS) 4:04.82 Australian Championships Brisbane 09.04.2017

800 m freestyle

  1. Katie Ledecky (USA) 8:15.44 Arena Pro Swim Series Mesa 04.15.2017
  2. Ariarne Titmus (AUS) 8:23.08 Australian Championships Brisbane 09.04.2017
  3. Simona Quadarella (ITA) 8:25.08 Italian Champs Riccione 06.04.2017

1500 m freestyle

  1. Mireia Belmonte Garcia (ESP) 16:08.73 Spanish Championships Pontevedra 01.04.2017
  2. Simona Quadarella (ITA)16:10.66 Italian Champs Riccione 06.04.2017
  3. Kapás Boglárka (HUN) 16:12.86 Golden Tour Marseilles  03.03.2017

50 m backstroke

  1. Fu Yuanhui (CHN) 27.36 Chinese Champs Quindae 04.08.2017
  2. Xueer Wang (CHN) 27.55 Chinese Champs Quindae 04.08.2017
  3. Xiang Liu (CHN) 27.56 Chinese Champs Quindae 04.08.2017

100 m backstroke

  1. Kylie Masse (CAN) 58.21 Canadian Champs Victoria 06.04.2017
  2. Emily Seebohm (AUS) 58.62 Australian Championships Brisbane 09.04.2017
  3. Yuanhui Fu (CHN) 58.72 Chinese Champs Quindae 08.04.2017

200 m backstroke

  1. Emily Seebohm (AUS) 2:07.03 Australian Championships Brisbane 09.04.2017
  2. Daria K Ustinova (RUS) 2:07.23 Russian Championships Moscow 08.04.2017
  3. Kylie Masse (CAN) 2:07.23 Canadian Champs Victoria 06.04.2017

50 m breaststroke

  1. Yulia Efimova (RUS) 29.88 Russian Championships Moscow 08.04.2017
  2. Jennie Johansson (SWE) 30.39 Swim Open Stockholm 08.04.2017
  3. Satomi Suzuki (kínai) 30.66 Chinese Champs Quindae 08.04.2017

100 m breaststroke

  1. Yulia Efimova (RUS) 1:05.90 Russian Championships Moscow 08.04.2017
  2. Jennie Johansson (SWE) 1:06.30 Swim Open Stockholm 08.04.2017
  3. Katie Meili (USA) 1:06.37 Arena Pro Swim Series Mesa 04.15.2017

200 m breaststroke

  1. Yulia Efimova (RUS) 2:23.17 Russian Championships Moscow 08.04.2017
  2. Taylor McKeown (AUS) 2:23.58 Australian Championships Brisbane 09.04.2017
  3. Chloe Tutton (GBR) 2:23.89 Arena Pro Swim Series Indianapolis 03.04.2017

50 m butterfly

  1. Sarah Sjostrom (SWE) 24.96 Swim Open Stockholm 08.04.2017
  2. Rikako Ikee (JPN) 25.51 Japanese Champs Aichi 04.13.2017
  3. Ranomi Kromowidjojo (NED) 25.84 Swim Cup Eindhoven 06.04.2017

100 m butterfly

  1. Sarah Sjostrom (SWE) 56.26 Swim Open Stockholm 08.04.2017
  2. Rikako Ikee (JPN) 56.89 10th Tokyo Swminning Championships 28.01.2017
  3. Emma McKeon (AUS) 57.27 Australian Championships Brisbane 09.04.2017

200 m butterfly

  1. Suzuka Hasegawa (JPN) 2:02.96 Tokyo New Year Swimming Meet 14.01.2017
  2. Franziska Hentke (GER) 2:06.84 Swim Open Stockholm 08.04.2017
  3. Hiroko Makino (JPN) 2:06.92 10th Tokyo Swminning Championships 29.01.2017

200 m individual medley

  1. Sydney Pickrem (CAN) 2:09.56 Canadian Champs Victoria 06.04.2017
  2. Yui Ohhasi (JPN) 2:09.96 Japanese Champs Aichi 04.13.2017
  3. Rikako Ikee (JPN) 2:09.98 Kitajima Cup Tokyo 27.01.2017

400 m individual medley

  1. Yui Ohhasi (JPN) 4:31.42 Japanese Champs Aichi 04.13.2017
  2. Mireia Belmonte Garcia (ESP) 4:35.01 Spanish Championships Pontevedra 01.04.2017
  3. Sydney Pickrem (CAN) 4:35.43 Canadian Champs Victoria 06.04.2017

 

Latest men’s world ranking times: 

50 m freestyle:

  1. Vladimir Morozov (Russian)​21.44​Moscow, 14 April. (Russian Championships)
  2. Cameron McEvoy (Australian)​21.55​Brisbane, 13 April. (Australian Championships)
  3. Evgeny Sedov (Rusdian)​​21.74​Moscow, 14 April. (Russian Championships)

100 m freestyle:

  1. Cameron McEvoy (Australian)​47.91​Brisbane, 9 April. (Australian Championships)
  2. Nathan Adrian (US)​48.18​Mesa,  13 April (Arena Pro Swim Series)
  3. Kyle Chambers (Australian)​48.20​Brisbane, 12 April. (Australian Championships)

200 m freestyle:

  1. Sun Yang (Chinese)​​1:44.91​Qingdae,  8 April (Chinese Champs)
  2. Gabriele Detti (Italian)​​1:46.38​Riccione, 6 April. (Italian Champs)
  3. Shun Wang​​​1:46.57​Qingdae,  8 April (Chinese Champs)

400 m freestyle:

  1. Sun Yang (Chinese)​​3:42.16​Qingdae,  8 April (Chinese Champs)
  2. Gabriele Detti (Italy)​​3:43.36​Riccione, 6 April. (Italian Champs)
  3. Mack Horton (Australian)​3:44.18​Brisbane,  9 April (Australian Championships)

800 m freestyle:

  1. Gabriele Detti (Italian)​​7:41.64​Riccione, 6 April. (Italian Champs)
  2. Gregorio Paltrinieri (Italian)​7:47.27​Riccione,  6 April (Italian Champs)
  3. Sun Yang (Chinese)​​7:48.33​Qingdae,  8 April (Chinese Champs)

1500 m freestyle:

  1. Gregorio Paltrinieri (Italian)​14:37.08 Riccione,  6 April (Italian Champs)
  2. Gabriele Detti (Italian)​​14:48.21 Milan, 11 March. (VII. Milano Trophy)
  3. Mack Horton (Australian)​14:51.21 Brisbane,  9 April (Australian Championships)

50 m backstroke:

  1. Evneny Rylov (Russian)​​24.52​Moscow, 8 April. (Russian Championships)
  2. Junya Koga (Japanese)​​24.53​Sydney,  3 March (New South Wales Open)
  3. Marek Ulrich (German)​24.90​Eindhoven,  6 April (Swim Cup)

100 m backstroke:

  1. Jiayu Xu (Chinese)​​51.86​Qingdae,  8 April (Chinese Champs)
  2. Evgeny Rylov (Russian)​​53.13​Moscow, 8 April. (Russian Championships)
  3. Matt Grevers (US)​53.31​Austin,  15  January (Arena Pro Swim Series)

200 m backstroke:

  1. Evgeny Rylov (Russian)​​1:53.81.Moscow, 13 April. (Russian Championships)
  2. Jiayu Xu (Chinese)​​1:55.04​Indianapolis, 3 March. (Arena Pro Swim Series)
  3. Kliment Koleshnikov (Russian)​1:54.49​Moscow,  13 April (Russian Championships)

50 m breaststroke:

  1. Adam Peaty (British)​​26.86​Indianapolis, 3 March. (Arena Pro Swim Series)
  2. Nicolo Martinenghi (Italian)​26.97​Riccione, 6 April. (Italian Champs)
  3. Kirill Prygoda (Russian)​​27.12 ​Moscow, 8 April. (Russian Championships)

100 m breaststroke:

  1. Adam Peaty (British)​​58.86​Indianapolis, 4 March. (Arena Pro Swim Series)
  2. Zibei Yan (Chinese)​​58.92​Qingdae,  8 April (Chinese Champs)
  3. Yasuhiro Koseki (Japanese)​59.26​Aichi,  13 April (Japanese Champs)

200 m breaststroke:

  1. Ippei Watanabe (Japanese)​2:06.67​Tokyo,  27 January (Kitajima Cup)
  2. Erik Persson (Swedish)​​2:07.85​Stockholm, 8 April (Swim Open)
  3. Anton Chupkov (Russian)​2:08.03​Moscow,  8 April (Russian Championships)

50 m butterfly:

  1. Oleg Kostin (Russian)​​23.27 ​Moscow, 8 April (Russian Championships)
  2. Benjamin Proud (British)​23.29​Marseilles, 3 April (Golden Tour)
  3. Zhuhao Li (Chinese)​​23.36​Qingdae,  8 April (Chinese Champs)

100 m butterfly:

  1. Chad Le Clos (South African)​51.29​Durban, 7 April (SA National Aquatic Championships)
  2. Zhuhao Li (Chinese)​​51.34​Indianapolis, 2 March. (Arena Pro Swim Series)
  3. David Morgan (Australian)​51.81​Brisbane,  9 April (Australian Championships)

200 m butterfly:

  1. Chad Le Clos (South African)​1:55.00​Durban, 5 April. (SA National Aquatic Championships)
  2. Zhuhao Li (Chinese)​​1:55.09 Qingdae, 8 April (Chinese Champs)
  3. Kenderesi Tamás (Hungarian)​1:55.20 Nizza, 4 February (Golden Tour)

200 m  medley:

  1. David Morgan (Australian)​1:55.70​Brisbane, 9 April. (Australian Championships)
  2. Irvine Grant (Australian)​1:56.05 Brisbane, 9 April (Australian Championships)
  3. Shun Wang (Chinese)​​1:56.16 Qingdae, 8 April (Chinese Champs)

400 m medley:

  1. Verrasztó Dávid (Hungarian)​4:10.01​Marseilles, 3 March (Golden Tour)
  2. Daiya Seto (Japanese)​​4:10.22​Indianapolis, 3 March (Arena Pro Swim Series)
  3. Kosuke Hagino (Japanese)​4:10.45​Aichi, 13 April (Japenese Champs)

 

Athletics Home Sports

SA Senior Athletics Championships 2017

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SA Senior Athletics Championships (Potchefstroom) 21st and 22st April 2017

Athletes to look out for

Olympic finalist Akani Simbine in the men’s 100m (9.92) and 200m (19.95).

World record holder Wayde van Niekerk, World Championships 200m bronze medallist Anaso Jobodwana and Gift Leotlela in the mens 100m and 200m.

Former national 100m record holder Henricho Bruintjies and Thando Roto in men’s 100m.

Antonio Alkana will compete in the men’s 100m event and the 110m hurdles.

Alyssa Conley will be defend her national 100m and 200m titles.

Carina Horn and Tebogo Mamatu in the women’s 100m event.

In the men’s 400m hurdles, national record holder LJ van Zyl (also running the 400m flat)  joins Commonwealth Games champion Cornel Fredericks, fellow Olympians Le Roux Hamman and Lindsay Hanekom in a strong team.

World Student Games champion Justine Palframan in the 400m.

World Championships finalist Wenda Nelwill be in action in the 400m hurdles and the flat 200m dash.

Caster Semenya will compete in the 800m and 400m events.

Olympic finalists Elroy Gelant and Stephen Mokoka will meet in the 5 000m and 10 000m.

Olympic silver medallists and two-time World Championships bronze medallist Sunette Viljoen in the javelin.

Olympic silver medallists Luvo Manyonga (8.62m national record) in the men’s long jump will meet with African champion Ruswahl Samaai, Commonwealth Games silver medallist Zarck Visser and Dylon Cotter.

Women’s long jump, Olympic athlete Lynique Prinsloo is up against Karin Mey ( 2009 World Championships bronze)

Decathlon – Fredriech Pretorius and SA record holder Willem Coertzen.

Lebogang Shange and Wayne Snyman in the men’s 20km walk event.

Provisional Program for the SA Senior and Combined Athletics Championships.

 

Home Rugby Sharks Sports

Curwin Bosch a once-in-a-generation player

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Cape Town – Former Springbok coach Peter de Villiers believes Sharks playmaker Curwin Bosch is an exceptional talent who should be managed properly.

The 19-year-old has taken the rugby world by storm with his performances for the Sharks in this year’s Super Rugby competition.

De Villiers, who coached the Springboks between 2008 and 2011, expressed his views on Bosch via a column for Kwese Sports.

De Villiers believes Bosch is a player with “x-factor and flair”, but has called on Bosch’s coaches to allow him the “freedom to express” himself on the park.

De Villiers used former Springbok utility back Brent Russell as an example of a player who never reached his full potential because of being forced to follow a certain game style.

“Russell had an extraordinary ability as a rugby player to beat defenders with his pace off the mark and stepping ability. But some coaches tried to change his attacking nature to fit into the South African way of playing. Unfortunately it didn’t work out…” De Villiers wrote.

Bosch has shown himself to be equally adept at fullback and flyhalf, but De Villiers called for the player to be utilised in one position.

“Curwin Bosch has more rugby ability in his DNA than many coaches and players put together. Because such a talented player is so rare, he is tricky to work with and very difficult to coach,” De Villiers continued.

“These ‘once-in-a-generation’ talents can play anywhere, in any position, and will do better than most of the players. But they should be destined for one position, and one position only.

“Do not let us walk the same bumpy road with Bosch as we did with natural talents like Russell, Francois Steyn and others, making them fill in where we have a problem or a hole to fill.”

De Villiers called for Bosch to receive the best support structures possible.

“This kid will bring South African rugby fans so much joy over the next decade if he is properly managed, because he already has the maturity at a such young age. He is truly FAT player. Faithful, Available and Teachable…”

As Springbok coach, De Villiers won the 2009 Tri-Nations, as well as a series win over the British and Irish Lions that same year.

During his tenure, he boasted five wins out of 11 Tests against the All Blacks – a better record than most Bok coaches in recent times.

De Villiers was the director of rugby at the University of the Western Cape between 2012 and 2015, but has since struggled to find work in rugby.

Read De Villiers’ full column on Kwese Sports

Home SA Schools Champs Championships Sports Swimming

The 2017 National SA Schools Swimming Championships – Day 2

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Day 02 of the 2017 National SA Schools Swimming Championships

Polokwane, Tuesday, 11th April 2017  – South Africa’s rising talent continued to shine during the second day of the 2017 National SA Schools Swimming Championships taking place at the Polokwane Town Swimming Pool in Limpopo.

After two days of competition, Gauteng Province is in the lead with a total of 84 medals (41 gold, 26 silver and 17 bronze), followed by KZN with 59 medals (23 gold, 19 silver and 17 bronze) and Mpumalanga with 25 medals (6 gold, 11 silver and 8 bronze).

Free State’s Luan de Waal was a regular on the medal podium with a gold in the 100m breaststroke (14-15) in 1:09.41 and a silver in the 200m individual medley in 2:20.81, while 13 year old Brooklyn Croxon from Mpumalanga bagged two gold medals in the 100m breaststroke in 1:18.02 and the 100m freestyle in 1:02.70.

Gauteng’s Ryan Zasas (13) and Eastern Cape’s Alex Goddard (17) were also two times lucky on the night, with Zasas winning two gold medals in the 100m freestyle in 59.88 and the 200m individual medley in 2:30.50, while Goddard walked away with gold in the freestyle race clocking 54.07 and later won the bronze in the 50m butterfly in 27.05.

Eastern Cape’s Lesley Blignaut was fast off the block in the 100m freestyle finishing first in 59.56 and in the 50m butterfly; the 17 year old managed a silver medal clocking 29.90, while youngster Kian Keylock (12) from Gauteng won the 200m individual medley in 2:45.22 and the 50m butterfly in 32.43.

It was gold and silver for 12 year old Amy Muller from Gauteng, winning the 200m individual medley in 2:41.80 and finishing second in the 50m butterfly in 32.17, while KZN’s 13 year old Ambrin Pienaar claimed victory in her medley race in 2:37.52 and later won the silver in the 50m butterfly in 32.16.

The 100m breaststroke proved highly entertaining with Gauteng’s Benke Grobler winning the 11-12 age group category in 1:19.18, followed by Western Province’s Keeno Swarts (1:23.72) and Rafeeq Isaac (1:25.02), while in the 13 age group race KZN’s Ozzy Aromin swam to victory in 1:16.57 ahead of teammate Myles Lea (1:19.32) and Free State’s Cobus Moolman (1:22.24).

The top spots in the remaining 100m breaststroke events went to Gauteng’s Michael Deans (16) in 1:08.10, KZN’s Simei Bekker (11) in 1:21.07, Mpumalanga’s Kayla Schefermann (15) in 1:18.20 and KZN’s Emma Huxtable (16) in 1:18.98.

The fast times continued in the 100m freestyle as Gauteng’s Willem Roos (12) won his race in 1:03.90, while fellow teammate Ethan Spieker (15) grabbed the gold in his category in 54.43.  The ladies’ gold medals went to Gauteng’s Dieu van Jaarsveld (12) in 1:04.87 and Kelsea Munro (15) in 1:02.62.

Mpumalanga’s Giano dos Santos (15) and Eastern Cape’s Damien Fourie (16) bagged gold medals in their respective 200m individual medley event in 2:19.06 and 2:20.07, while the ladies’ first places went to KZN’s Tori Oliver (14) and Gauteng’s Jesica Smit (17) in 2:34.07 and 2:28.11, respectively.

Oliver also went on to win the 50m butterfly in 30.37.

In the 50m butterfly events, the gold medals were collected by Free State’s Simeon Voster (13) in 29.26, KZN’s Lucas Beukes (15) in 27.28 and Gauteng’s Jan Moll (16) in 26.38, while on the ladies’ side, KZN’s Emma Christianson (12), Limpopo’s Kristin Lottering (13) and Gauteng’s Chante Cornelius (16) won in 32.10, 31.80 and 29.51, respectively.

In the multi-disability races, Thulane Mabuza (19) continued his winning streak in the S1-13 100m freestyle with a time of 1:05.02, while Pierre Dellieu (19), who recently qualified for the Deaf Olympics during the SA National Aquatic Championships, claimed the gold in his freestyle S14-15 event in 55.79.

On the ladies’ side, Gauteng’s Bongekile Sebeka won the S1-13 100m freestyle in 1:24.63, while her Provincial teammate, Moneque Edwards was victorious in the S14-15 category in 1:34.92.

The 100m S1-13 breaststroke gold medals went to Limpopo’s Nathan Struwig (11) in 1:59.23, KZN’s Khulekani Sikhosana (17) in 42.33 and KZN’s Mnqobi Macanda (17) in 41.43, while the ladies’ titles went to Gauteng’s Bongekile Sabeka (19) in 50.50 and KZN’s Snenhlanhla Majozi (17) in 1:01.27.

The 2017 National SA Schools Swimming Championships, which is organized by Sport and Recreation South Africa, in partnership with the Department of Basic Education, Swimming South Africa and National Schools Aquatics, will continue tomorrow with the heats starting at 09h00 and the finals at 15h00 daily.

Home Interviews Sports Swimming Tuks Swimming

Fresh & Hungry – Amber Summer Smith

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Amber Smith is exactly as her name states “a precious jewel” not only our SA swimming arena but also in other areas in life. Just like a beautiful piece of jewelry, she had to go through some tough moments of “fire”, in her swimming career, but she still managed to rise all the way to the top – as true champions do! She says” I am back and I have bigger goals. Stopping swimming was a terrible decision but it motivated me to coming back and working harder than ever before”.

About who she is she says “I would say I am a very dedicated, motivated and hard working person. Many of my qualities I have learnt from my old coaches Mr and Mrs Melton, John Wright, Dominque Donner, Linda De Jager and my current coach Rocco Meiring, my Mom and my swimming teammates. It is because of the amazing people in my life that I strive to give only my best and dream big”. She is also a decicated academic at Crawford College Pretoria.

Athlete: Bio / Stats
Name & Surname Amber Summer Smith
Date of birth 11 June 1999
Place of birth Cape Town
Current City Pretoria
Height 1.57m
Weight 66kg
Shoe Size 7-8
Club Tuks Swimming
Coach’s Name Rocco Meiring
Secondary Sport/ sports Open water swimming
Favorite City Could not pick a favorite, all the city’s in our country are beautiful.
Favorite Song/ type of music All music and all songs by Ed Sheeran, The Chainsmokers, Shaun Mendes and Twenty one pilots.
Favorite Movie I can’t choose a favorite but enjoy watching Disney films and comedies.
School & Grade Crawford College Pretoria, Grade 12
Instagram and Facebook amber_summer_smith
Parents Names, siblings Mother – Tracy-lee Smith

Brothers – Aryn and Kaylan Geekie

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?

I really enjoy swimming and it has become my life! I enjoy the training, the traveling, the people and most of all competing, however swimming did not come easy to me. I started swimming in grade 4 when I was 10 and it was after I swam an inter-house gala that the coaches at my school spoke to my parents and told them that I should start training. I had always loved the water and was always in the pool as a kid but In the beginning I did not like the idea of training so many hours and would often ask my mom not to go but as stubborn and hard working as my mom is she did not allow me to miss any training because she knew that I was made to swim. For this I am forever grateful. As I began swimming more galas meeting more people I was hooked and swimming became my everything. I started to grow and swim better and faster. Everything was going well until 3 years ago I made the decision to stop swimming, my parents got divorced and my mom and I moved up to Pretoria. After 8 months I realized that I need to swim that I missed swimming. As I started training again it was tough, I was 18kg heavier and unfit but I didn’t give up I made sure I attended every training session. It took me 2 years but now I’m on top of my game. I am back and I have bigger goals. Stopping swimming was a terrible decision but it motivated me to coming back and working harder than ever before.

Q: Who are you? Describe yourself as a person.

I would say I am a very dedicated, motivated and hard working person. Many of my qualities I have learnt from my old coaches Mr and Mrs Melton, John Wright, Dominque Donner, Linda De Jager and my current coach Rocco Meiring, my Mom and my swimming teammates. It is because of the amazing people in my life that I strive to give only my best and dream big. My biggest challenge would be Matric because of the demanding work load I need to ensure that I stay focused on my goals

Q: What is the highest accolade that you have achieved in Swimming and what is your greatest personal accomplishment?

I would say that my biggest achievement in swimming was being able to swim at Nationals  and being able to see swimmers from South Africa qualify for Olympics, it was a spectacular experience and although I have not been at the top I have big dreams, though preparation I am willing to work as hard as I need to reach my dreams. I must say my biggest personal accomplishment would defiantly be making the decision to come back into the swimming.

Q: What do you do to relax?

I’m not really one who relaxes, I enjoy being busy all the time. I enjoy traveling and being adventurous. I enjoy cycling, surfing, ice skating, go-karting and riding dirt bikes. I enjoy going out to lunches and dinners with friends, having movie nights and going to music festivals.

Q: In your opinion, what is the value of Education in a young person’s life?

I believe education is very important and it is the foundation on which we build on. Education helps people to understand and connect. I have never been a person who loves school but I have always tried to give my best, with a good education you are aware of what is needed to succeed. This will give you the strength to know that you have the ability to do anything you put your mind too.

Q: So, you are a brilliant swimmer and academic – but name 1 thing that you suck at 🙂

If I would have to say something I would say my weakness is saying no to chocolate!

Q: What is your personal favorite motivational quote?

“If you want to be the best, you have to do things other people aren’t willing to do”- Michael Phelps

Everyday people are finding more ways to get faster and if you are not willing to go the extra mile you won’t be able to keep up with the people who will.

 

Q: In your opinion, how do you define success in life / how do you define a successful person?

Success means different things to different people however everyone knows the extraordinary feeling of success. Success is the outcome of big dreams with no excuses, success is the ability to face challenges and overcome obstacles by making sacrifices.  Success is the result of the hard work. A successful person is someone who never gives up and is always focused and fearless in pursuing their dream.

Q: What’s your WHY ?  Why do you do what you do?

I love swimming. It is a part of my everyday routine, most people don’t understand that training to swimmers is like going to school, you must do it and there are no off days. Swimmers must always look for ways to improve and to do this they must try new things that others are not willing to, with my dream of competing with the best I hope that one day I can inspire younger athletes that by going the extra mile you are not crazy but rather the opposite you are enthusiastic and devoted.

Q: Anything else you would like to share?

Swimming is my life and I one day hope to be a swimming coach, to motivate and inspire other young athletes to reach for their dreams.

 

 

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!

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