Connecting with Doug Erasmus gave me so much hope again in the fact that dreams really do come true. He started swimming at the age of 15, much later than many swimmers these days, but immediately excelled and went from strength to strength in his swimming career. I admire his inborn resilience and firm and resolute belief that hard work has to pay off – and for him it did beautifully in in Olympic qualification.
Doug is not just brilliant in swimming but an outstanding academic also, who is currently busy with his post graduate B.Com Honours Degree. He says this – “Success is a long journey, and I am someone who will do what it takes to achieve something. I am dedicated and am always willing to give my best in any situation. I would like others to see me as a dedicated hard working athlete, which will show them that hard work and sacrifices will always pay off”.
Athlete: Bio / Stats |
|
| Name & Surname | Douglas Erasmus |
| Nick Name | Doug |
| Date of birth | 1990/04/04 |
| Place of birth | Benoni, South Africa |
| Current City | Pretoria |
| Height | 182cm |
| Weight | 78kg |
| Shoe Size | 9 |
| Club | Tuks Aquatics |
| Coach’s Name | Igor Omeltchenko |
| Out of Country events/ meets (most recent) | World Student Games 2015
Fina World Cup – Doha & Dubai, Amsterdam cup December 2015 |
| Favorite City | Cape town |
| Favorite Song/ type of music | No particular |
| Favorite Movie | No Particular |
| Tertiary Inst Name/ Year | University Of Pretoria |
| Tertiary degree/ diploma | B.Com (Honours) Marketing Management |
| Sponsors | Speedo SA, HPC, Futurelife |
| Twitter and Instagram names, facebook name | Twitter: @Doug_E4, Instagram: Dougerasmus
FaceBook: Doug Erasmus |
| Parents Names, siblings | Cheryl Knight (mother) Graham Erasmus(father) Jennifer Sterly(sister) |
INTERVIEW:
Q: You have just realized a lifelong dream to qualify for the Rio Olympics. Wow and well done. What is on your heart and mind right now concerning this qualification?
It has always been something I have been working for, but also something that was up in the clouds, which quickly became a reality. Knowing that all the hard work and sacrifices has paid off puts me on cloud nine. Over the moon with the Qualifying time.
Q: Respecting and being grateful for the journey that you, your parents and coaches have been on till now. Also for the benefit and encouragement of young and up-coming little dreamers that see you as a hero – how was your swimming performances at round about 13 years old? What was your regime like at that age?
I only started swimming competitively at the age of 15. I always looked up to the faster swimmers, not only internationally, but also with in my club. This motivated me and encouraged me to push harder. I qualified for level 3 at my very first Gala, which is something very unlikely.
Q: Beside swimming, what else do you have a passion for?
I see swimming as a full time Job. I am intrigued as to how the rest of the world is swimming, and constantly reading and learning more about the sport and myself to improve more. Other than that I do enjoy other sports, such as Rugby, tennis etc and socializing with friends.
Q: What is your personal favourite motivational quote?
“We can have more than what we’ve got, because we can become more than what we are” – Jim Rohn
Q: When an athlete hits some “hard / difficult” patch in their sports career, what goes through your mind at that time? What advice can you give other young athletes in this regard?
As anyone would say, don’t give up. Hard patches may make you want to give up, but if you push through them it will make you better. Focusing on other aspects of your training to keep you going will be beneficial. (stroke- Technique)
Q: In your opinion, how do you define greatness in life?
Greatness in life comes down to what you are willing to do to reach the best you possibly can be. If you know that you gave everything you could to get where you are, you have succeeded.
Q: What’s your WHY ? Why do you do what you do?
Swimming is something I love, and I did not give up on it. That’s what keeps me going, the will to succeed. I hope to have a positive influence and encourage the up and comers to believe in them selfs and don’t give up on something they love. I would like to set the example of hard work and dedication, as well as belief that if you want something to work, you will find away.
Q: One thing about Doug that the world does not know J
I Played Provincial Squash as a kid.
Q: Favourite meal?
So many. But most probably between a good pasta dish or braai.
Power Start
Interview with special Olympic mom – Cheryl Ann Johnson Knight, his mom – http://heslopsports.co.za/wp/olympicmomsdoug/
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!
NB – All images were supplied by the athlete to Heslop Sports. If there are any images that are not credited correctly, please email info@heslopsports.co.za with the details and we will gladly do so immediately.
