Bradley Tandy is an Olympian that exudes such joie de vivre and this fun element is so essential for sustained brilliance in sport and in life. I love the way he extends the wise principles of success that he applies to his sport, through into his life and all aspects of it even his dancing 🙂 Tango with the water hey! Brad is fun loving yet so deeply passionate and serious to become on of SA’s greats in sports.
In response to “Who are you?” Brad says “Tough question. Those who know me well could answer this better but I consider myself someone who tries to do the best I can in everything I do. I’m trying to take the path less chosen, an uncommon lifestyle and story. I strive to “Be Great and Have Fun”, a saying I try to live by. I hope to be an inspiration to younger athletes and a respectable competitor. Being away from home and friends makes it hard to be a great friend and son/brother but I hope that those who know me understand the journey I am taking”. We wish you all the very best Brad, as you step into your rightful place at the Rio Olympics in a few day’s time.
Photo Credits: Brian Spurr
Athlete: Bio / Stats |
|
| Name & Surname | Bradley Tandy |
| Nick Name | Brad |
| Date of birth | May 2 1991 |
| Place of birth | Durban |
| Current City | Tucson, Arizona. U.S.A |
| Height | 6.3 |
| Weight | 195 lb |
| Shoe Size | 12 |
| Club | Seals |
| Coach’s Name | Rick De Mont (U.S), Wayne Ridden (S.A) |
| Out of Country events/ meets (most recent) | U.S nationals, Texas Invite |
| Favorite City | Durban |
| Favorite Song/ type of music | House/Dubstep
Tristam & Braken – Flight |
| Favorite Movie | Star Wars |
| Tertiary Inst Name/ Year | University of Arizona |
| Tertiary degree/ diploma | MIS (Management Information Systems) |
| Twitter and Instagram | BradTandy02 (twitter)
Bradtandy (instagram) |
INTERVIEW:
Q: You have just realized a life long dream to qualify for the Rio Olympics. Wow and well done. What is on your heart and mind right now concerning this qualification?
Once I had qualified I was overwhelmed with joy, mostly relief. I knew I could do it, it was just a matter of performing on the day and once I did I could relax and enjoy what I love to do. Now I stay focused on training leading up to the Games.
Q: You have just put a little KZN “dorpie” called Ladysmith on the world map 🙂 – how was the reaction / reception of your hometown after you qualified?
Haha, I hope I did. I wasn’t home for long after trials, but I have had unbelievable support through messages and over social media over the past weeks. Old friends and even people I’ve never met sent out their congratulations.
Q: How was your swimming performances at round about 13/ early teens? What was your regime like at that age?
I was a big fish in a small pond. I won most of my events in the KZN region, Northern Natal and school. Once I moved up into the higher competition, S.A nationals, I was not a name people knew. I was not a full time swimmer at all, I played a multiple of other sports, only training swimming 4 months of the year, 4-5 times a week.
Q: Would you like to share a little bit more about your faith journey and how it has affected your life / sports?
I know that hard work pays off; trusting in the Lord will better you with choices and guidance. If you keep doing what you need too, and stray from distractions and people that bring negativity, you will go further than most. I try to surround myself with positivity and challenge. I use the same concept of being better in training every day, in life as well.
Q: I believe you also dance quite well 🙂
Haha! Well when I was young I saw a Ladysmith high school concert and there were break-dancers, I was quite impressed. Started to practice on my own and began to enjoy dancing. Apparently some of my friends, even those who were trained dancers thought I was good. So I began practicing more and I started to enjoy it more and more. It has a similar feeling to swimming, a flow almost; a predetermined movement that connects you to something (water or music).
Q: What is your personal favourite motivational quote?
“Be Great, Have Fun”.
“A year from now you may wish you had started today”.
Q: Are you going to get an Olympic Tatoo 🙂
Yes, I said if I ever get a tattoo it would be the rings. Now to figure out where!
Q: In your opinion, how do you define greatness in life?
Achieving purpose and achieving happiness.
Q: What’s your WHY ?
My WHY, is WHY not me? You see so many different people around the world achieving greatness and becoming something bigger than them, especially in sport. I say why not me; why can’t I be someone like that, why can’t I achieve greatness or become someone others look up too. I do what I do because I believe I can, because I want something more out of life.
I would like to show our country and youth, in sport or whatever else, that we can be as great as we want. There is no hindrance on our ability because of where we are from or what we have. There have been idols to this country far beyond what I could ever achieve, and that is just more proof that we have what it takes to make a mark on the world.
Photo Credits: Brian Spurr
Q: Favourite meal?
Oooo, Sushi. Steak is great too.
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!
Photo Credits: Brian Spurr
Brian was at the Olympic Trials 2016 for the entire duration of the event and you can thus order any of your most up close and precious captured memories from him.
Here are his contact details:
Facebook: Here
Cell: 082 553 2029
E:mail: brian.spurr@gmail.com
You may then contact Brian via e-mail to place your order giving your name and other details. You can also go over to Flickr and check out what he has loaded.
Flicker Links for you to copy and paste into your web browser to see sample photos
MEDALS – https://www.flickr.com/photos/139878654@N05/sets/72157667100483252/
GENERAL SWIMMING – https://www.flickr.com/gp/139878654@N05/B3i3P6
