Dean Whyte, SA Water Polo champion esteems the camaraderie of team mates very high. He draws his strength and motivation form his peers in the sports arena including his special Claire. He is quite an academic of note and busy with his Masters in Sports science. With the title of his research “Physiological Profiles of South African Male Elite Water Polo Players”. As if a masters does not keep one busy enough, he is also currently doing a post graduate certificate in Education!
He is indeed a busy man that finds time and balance in each aspect of life from sports, to fellowship with friends, to love, to giving back to the community. His passion is to sow back into his WP Learners some of his rich experiences that he has had in the Water Polo Arena. He is the proud owner of a stunning Water Polo club called Tridents Aquatics Club, where teaches and uplifts our precious youth. He describes himself as “Easy going. Accommodating. Water polo loving. Determined”.
Athlete: Bio / Stats |
|
| Name & Surname | Dean Whyte |
| Nick Name | Bravo |
| Date of birth | 17 September 1988 |
| Place of birth | Johannesburg |
| Current City | Johannesburg |
| Height | 188 cm |
| Weight | 88 kg |
| Shoe Size | UK 10 |
| Club | Old Johanians Eagles (OJ Eagles) |
| Coach’s Name | Vlado Trninic |
| Out of Country events/ meets | 15th FINA world champs. Scotland commonwealth games. Kuwait development trophy. Kazakhstan world cup. EU 8 nations. And currently at the 16th FINA world champs in Russia |
| Favorite City | Barcelona |
| Favorite Song/ type of music | EDM |
| School & Grade | Parktown Boys’ High School, Class of 2006 |
| Tertiary Inst Name/ Year | University of Johannesburg alumni |
| Tertiary degree/ diploma | Sports Science (Hons) |
| Sponsors | No personal sponsorship |
| Twitter / Instagram / Facebook | Whytedean |
| Community projects | Soweto development for water polo |
| Parents Names | Gwen and Vernon Whyte |
| Very briefly describe yourself as a Person | Easy going. Accommodating. Water polo loving. Determined. |
INTERVIEW
Q: You are passionate and doing so well in your water polo, tell me a little bit about how you started and your journey in the water polo arena up to now?
It stemmed all from my school days. I had passionate coaches with a sport they loved. I think that it rubbed off of me too. Now days everything revolves around polo. It had a huge influence on my life choices. After high school my university club coach Stanislav Gospodinov really helped develop me to the player I am today both in confidence and ability. My current coach now has also been critical in my water polo just advancing to new levels. Added to that, the club team members I have are like no other! The guys drive one another and push each other always. I guess that leads up to where we are today. Our club is national champions (11/13 times since the clubs inception), old Edwardian champs and all good friends!
Q: What is the highest accolade that you have achieved in water polo and what is your greatest personal accomplishment?
I play for the men’s national side since 2013. It’s a team sport so I guess best accomplishment has to be winning the European 8 nations tournament in Denmark earlier this year.
Q: You are just back from Kazan where you and your team mates rocked the boat a bit! Congrats! Please may you share a little about your and the team’s experience in Kazan?
Thank you 🙂 Kazan was amazing – to play against elite players of that nature are just humbling! It is a constant reminder of how much more work we can do here in SA. The Team vibe was amazing – during my first debut in Barca two years ago, each training camp, each tournament there after we have just grown together with the guys. Again to play with the worlds best we learnt a hell of a lot!
Q: You have travelled outside SA before, what are your highlights of these travels, and what does travelling do for your mindset/ perspective on things?
It’s a huge eye opener. Having the opportunity to play for your country is a huge honour. It’s also always so exciting being able to visit and experience new places. As for perspective and mindset. I believe it does develop you as an individual. It’s just so amazing to see what each country is able to give to water polo. Some places are just mind blowing.
Q: How do you manage to fit in sports and work into your schedule?
I think one needs to make time. I’m fortunate to have a lot of flexible hours so it’s not too bad to fit training in. I run my own club so if I can’t get to train I can do it there!
Q: Beside your water polo what do you have a passion for?
I can be a little nerd at times playing games. But I love to cook!
Q: What do you do to relax?
Play PlayStation, watch TV, visit friends and cook
Q: What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
Humble in victory, lessons to learn in defeat
Q: What is your biggest challenge, and what do you do to manage this challenge?
Water polo has many facets to the sport. Keeping each point up there takes a lot of time training and assessment.
Q: When you’ve had a tough day, what lifts you up again?
My girlfriend has also played at the top level of water polo. So Claire knows me quite well and always is able to be the shoulder to lean on. I also have two good team mates that are able to just lift the spirits.
Q: I’m sure you have many things going on right now, what’s to be expected next from you?
Complete my PGCE and Masters in Sports Science.
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!
