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2019 African Male Swimmer of the Year: ZANE WADDELL, South Africa

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Your 2019 African Male Swimmer of the Year, South African Zane Waddell, had a breakout year in 2019. The 21-year-old progressed quickly from SEC Champion, to NCAA Champion, to World University Games champion, all the way to World champion in just 5 months.

Photo via Rafael Domeyko

At the 2019 SEC Championships, Waddell contributed to Alabama’s title-winning 200 medley relay, thanks to his #2 all-time 50 back lead-off split (20.22). He also won an individual title in the 100 back (44.77). Just a month later, Waddell joined teammates Laurent Bams, Knox Auerbach, and Robert Howard to win the 200 medley relay NCAA title (1:22.26).

Zane Waddell (photo: Jack Spitser)

After the NCAA season, Waddell switched to representing his home country of South Africa at both the 2019 World University Games (WUGs) and 2019 World Championships. During his WUGs run, Waddell and American Justin Ress had a buzzworthy battle in the 50 back, both trading off holding the Universiade meet record. During the 50 back final, Waddell and Ress tied for the gold medal.

Yet Waddell’s biggest moment of 2019 was at the World Championships in Gwangju, South Korea. During the 50 back final, Waddell surprised the entire world when he became a World champion out of lane 2 and upset Russians Evgeny Rylov and Kliment Kolesnikov.

With the win, Waddell becomes the only swimmer besides Chad le Clos to win the award in its 7-year history.

BY NICK PECORARO (SwimSwam)

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Caeleb Dressel sets world record in 50-meter freestyle

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American swimmer Caeleb Dressel is in the record books. During the ISL Grand Finale, Dressel set a world record in the 50-meter freestyle event with a time of 20.24.

Caeleb Dressel
Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

The previous record was held by French swimmer Florent Manaudou. Ironically, Dressel swam right next to Manaudou during the ISL Grand Finale.

Manaudou’s previous world record was 20.26, which was set at the 2014 World Championships. Dressel is no stranger to world records as he held the American and U.S. Open records at 20.43 (2018 World Championships) and 20.81 (College Park ISL meet) before resetting them with this performance.

Dressel certainly proved to be a workhorse during the ISL Grand Finale as this was his third race in an hour. “I’m making my mark in swimming history,” Dressel told Olympic.org in August. “It’s amazing. I can now say that at one point I was the best, that I left a mark in the history of my sport. It’s really crazy for a small-town guy like me.”

Dressel has the support of former teammate Michael Phelps as he prepares for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. 

“If there’s someone who doesn’t care how hard it’s going to be, how hard they’re going to have to work, how much pain they’re willing to put their body through, we might see it,” Phelps said over the summer.

Phelps added that Dressel likely will need to be “perfect” if Dressel wants to win eight gold medals at the 2020 Olympics.

Dressel certainly has a challenging year ahead of him, but having a world record to his credit could be a major launching point to a big performance in Tokyo.

Written by Chris Bengel  @CBengelCBS

Swimming

Fresh & Hungry – Benno van der Merwe

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Meet Benno van der Merwe a brilliant young Maties swimmer with a big heart and a lot of soul. Hardworking, faithful and dedicated. He says about his why – ” I want to be the best me I can be! I don’t want to be the next Phelps or Le Clos, I want to be the first Me! I want to pursue my dreams and live life to the fullest! I live by this quote,” May all your dreams come true except one, so that you would always have something to live for!”  If all your dreams come true, you would have nothing to live for. I always have something that I pursue and I do it in the name of Christ because without him I am nothing!”.

Athlete: Bio / Stats
Name & Surname Benno van der Merwe

 
Date of birth 1 March 2002
Place of birth Somerset west, Mediclinic

 
Current City Stellenbosch
Club Maties
Coach’s Name Pierre De Roubaix

 
Secondary Sport/ sports Water polo but stopped because of swimming

 
Favorite City Bali
Favorite Song/ type of music Piano man by Billy Joel/Alternative

 
School & Grade Paul Roos, Grade 10

 
Sponsors ButtaNut
Twitter and Instagram names, facebook name benno_______
Community / church projects involved in GoKids, Jamestown (community service)

 
Parents Names, siblings Mom – Renata

Dad – Gerjo-Ben

Sister – Alet-Mari

Sister – Mia

 

 

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?

Well I started swimming when I was just a little kiddo, I was very active and always had a big love for the water sensation! I only took swimming seriously in about grade 7 when I had to make the tough decion between rugby and swimming! I had the privilege to learn, at a young age, that if you commit to something you are miss out on lots of parties, sports and just being able to chill with your mates! I only started with lifesaving a few months ago due to a pal that convinced me. It is much fun and I am very grateful for that one pal!

Q: Why do you have so much love and respect for your coach?

I have much respect for my coach and every person in this world. I don’t believe in the saying that trust is earned. I believe that you treat everyone with respect and the way you want to be treated until proven else. Every 5:30 morning training that I go to, my coach would already be there waiting for us to start the day! He must wake up every day to unlock the gates and check if everything is alright ready for us! He must be at every training, just like us. When he feels sick he can’t just stay at home but he just and pulls it together every time! It is not just on pool deck that he works hard, but also behind the screen, working out all our sets, training times and a lot of admin! I also admire him for what he has done in his swimming years! Qualifying for the Olympics is something he has under his belt and something we are still dreaming about.

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

  1. Oh this is an easy one! My number one fan/mom’s mac and cheese! It is her signature dish that has the potential to win MasterChef!

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

  1. Cricket and soccer is something that I just could not get the hang of. I still love playing it with my mates for fun.

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

I think to still have two parents that loves each other is something taken for granted these days. I thank the All Mighty each day for that! I am also thankful for each new day that I have the chance to wake up and for fill my dreams!

What’s your WHY ?  

I want to be the best me I can be! I don’t want to be the next Phelps or Le Clos, I want to be the first Me! I want to pursue my dreams and live life to the fullest! I live by this quote,” May all your dreams come true except one, so that you would always have something to live for!”  If all your dreams come true, you would have nothing to live for. I always have something that I pursue and I do it in the name of Christ because without him I am nothing!

Anything else you would like to share?

I have been through a lot of tough times in my live with health and all that! I thought of giving up more than once in my life. I have been stepped on, used, disappointed, shattered and broken and that is not nice. Each time, with the help of the All Mighty, I made it through a stronger person. If you are going through tough times, believe me, I have been there and done that, but every day above ground is a great day, just remember that!

 

 

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Chad le Clos Academy Launched in Cape Town

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Taking a rounded approach to development, the new Chad le Clos Academy aims to transform the way swimming is taught in South Africa, from beginner through to elite level.
Launched in Cape Town on Friday, 20 April 2018, the structured and world-class CLeC Academy programme will ensure that swimmers enjoy the learning experience and remain in the sport for as long as possible.

Le Clos, a four-time Olympic medallist, says: “I’m very pleased that we are launching the first branch of the Chad le Clos Academy. I really want to see the growth of swimming as a sport, both in SA and ultimately across the world, by helping existing swimmers improve and encouraging beginners to learn our sport and develop life skills. This has been a dream of mine for some time, and today marks the start of what I hope will be a long and productive journey.”

Starting with a flagship venue at the Quadrant in Cape Town, the programme will focus on stroke development and fitness for swimmers aged five through to adults.
Future venues will also implement elite and learn to swim programmes by collaborating with the best in class partners and facilities, as the programme expands.

Kathryn Nurse, a CLeC Academy Director, says: “It is a privilege to partner with a sportsman of such high calibre and a gentleman of such true humility. We are confident that we can take his vision and make it a reality.”

As part of its long-term goals, the CLeC Academy plans to expand further by including international venues, in an attempt to broaden its reach as widely as possible and transform the world of swimming.

Chad le Clos board member, Julian Taylor, says: “As South Africa’s most decorated swimmer, Chad le Clos has already ensured he will always be remembered as an icon. Hopefully this academy will be able to play another key role in expanding his legacy at all levels of the sport, both at home and abroad.”

 

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Fresh & Hungry – Georgia Nel

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Catching up motivated and brilliant young swimmer Georgia Nel. Although she is fairly new in the swimming arena, she is doing extremely well and is resolved to give it her all.  She says “I am a young lady who will give 101% at whatever I do. I hope to be someone who inspires many and makes a difference in this world, small or big”.

About success in life she says “A successful person is not always someone who achieves something that the whole world knows about, a successful person is a person who achieves THEIR extraordinary in life. If a snail takes the whole day to cross a garden, it has still done something extraordinary by its own standard. I define success not by if you’re wealthy or pre-eminent but by the amount of joy you produce in accomplishing YOUR aim or purpose”.

 

Athlete: Bio / Stats
Name & Surname Georgia Nel
Nick Name George/ Porge/ Captain Muffin
Date of birth 23 July 2002
Place of birth Constantiaburg Hospital, Cape Town
Current City Cape Town
Height 183cm/ 6.03ft
Weight 68kg
Shoe Size 10/ 11
Club Swimlab Aquatic Academy Wynberg (SAAW)
Coach’s Name Hilton Slack
Out of Country events/ meets Cana zone ||| swimming championships in Kigali, Rwanda
Secondary Sport/ sports Gym (Occasionally love to play tennis)
Favorite City Paris (Never Been)
Favorite Song/ type of music EVERYTHING! I love music!
Favorite Movie Aristocats (Old and animated)
School & Grade Herschel Girls School, Grade 10
Sponsors TYR
Twitter and Instagram names, Facebook name Instagram: Georgia.nel7 (Don’t have Facebook or Twitter)
Community / church projects involved in FISH (Faith in serving him) club at school, chapel services and divinity lessons.
Parents Names, siblings Dad’s name is Jeremy, Mom’s name is Annette, Brother’s name is Jordan and my Twin sister’s name is Olivia.

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?

When I was younger, I mostly swam to get fit for water polo, as it was my chosen sport at the time. The first major gala I did was in 2011 where I swam a Level 1 swimming gala in Oudshoorn when I was 9. After that I took an extremely long break from swimming, as I HATED it. I would cry before every swimming practice and didn’t swim another gala until Level 2 in March 2016. For all those years, all I did was play water polo and the ONLY swimming I did was to keep ‘fit’ for water polo, whereas Olivia was still swimming competitively at the time. I did reasonably well at the Level 2 gala and later on got chosen for the South African team to head up to Rwanda and experience their facilities based on my results at Level 2’s. I had a blast up there, as I swooped up 11 medals and especially since I missed the last 2 exams of term 4. I then carried on to 2017 where I qualified for Junior Nationals and just slipped in a qualifying time for the 200m free for Youth Nationals. By this time, we (Olivia and I) made the hardest decision of our lives. Water polo or swimming? We trusted each other and we set our goals high to carry on competing in the swimming arena. It was the best decision of our lives so far we have NEVER regretted it since. By the end of Senior and Junior Nationals, Olivia and I managed to get into the South African Junior Elite Squad. We carried on training with a few other smaller galas’ throughout 2017 and then SA short course came along, where I posted most, if not all of my best times. One of these times was a 56.90 for the 100m freestyle coming 3rd to Erin Gallagher (my sister from another mister) and Olivia (my sister from the same mister). Another one of these times was a 1.04.45 in the 100m IM where I came 2nd to the stunning Nathania Van Niekerk. The rest of the year was mostly just a lot of fun where I sadly was sick before Commonwealth trials and didn’t have the best meet, but if everything was perfect, it wouldn’t be called life. 2018 is finally here and I’m excited to find out what it holds for me.

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

I am a young lady who will give 101% at whatever I do. I hope to be someone who inspires many and makes a difference in this world, small or big.

 

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

The highest accolade I’ve ever achieved in swimming is beating my twin sister in the 200m freestyle at Western Cape Short Course Championships and therefore this is also my greatest personal achievement in my life. 😉 Haha, only joking, my greatest personal accomplishment is yet to come…

Q: What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

“Take a cement tablet and harden up.” – My Dad.

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

My biggest challenge is being away from my dog, Monty and the way I deal with this challenge is just to look at my photo album of him.

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

Living without my twin.

Q: Do you want share a little on your faith journey so far?

My faith journey is simple. I’ve grown up in a Christian household where God has always been the center of my life. My parents introduced me to him and my school has connected me with him. My two favorite quotes from the bible are, “Let all that you do be done in love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:14, because if you ever wish to accomplish anything in life, you must be dedicated and committed to what you want to do, and to carry on being dedicated you must LOVE what you do! The other one is, “Have patience, God isn’t finished yet.” – Philippians 1:6.  This is so true, and this quote relates to me so much, because I am a bit of a late developer and I honestly cannot wait to see what God has planned for me in the future.

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

My dog.

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

Education arms you with the tools to become inquisitive and a desire to learn and become the best possible person you can be. I feel as if my school, Herschel Girls High School, has definitely already equipped me with these qualities and I cant wait for my last 2 years at this outstandingly amazing institution.

Q: How do you currently manage to balance all the things in your life?

I am very diligent with my time management and have learnt to get things done as soon as I receive the task. This is a very important skill to have mastered for the future in anyone’s life. I love my school  (Herschel Girls) and swimming, and therefore it is easy to manage my busy life, as I love what I do every step of the way.

Q: How do you define success in life / How do you define a successful person?

A successful person is not always someone who achieves something that the whole world knows about, a successful person is a person who achieves THEIR extraordinary in life. If a snail takes the whole day to cross a garden, it has still done something extraordinary by its own standard. I define success not by if you’re wealthy or pre-eminent but by the amount of joy you produce in accomplishing YOUR aim or purpose.

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

I want to be the best person I can be and the only way I can do that is to work hard at what I love the most. And the example I want to set for the one’s coming after me is to make the best of the opportunities and you are given AND ALWAYS TAKE THE OPPORTUNITIES YOU ARE GIVEN. If I did not take the opportunity to go to Rwanda (which I initially was not going to) I would have most likely stopped swimming and would not be where I am today, and I am so grateful for my awesome parents for helping me make the decision to grab this amazing opportunity with both hands and got for it. Also to give back to the sport that has made you great by either coaching or being a mentor to carry on the legacy of your hard work.

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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Fresh & Hungry – Olivia Nel

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Wonderful to experience the journey of one of SA’s brilliant young athletes –  Olivia Nel. She speaks with compassion and much wisdom of her experience in the sports and life arena. Previously a Water Polo champ she has but recently joined the swimming family and is already making waves.

About herself she says: “I am a young, independent and very confident woman. I always love a sense of humor from everyone, and I am also very dedicated and hard working in everything I do. I will give my best in any task or obstacle that I face in life. I’m a very loving and welcoming girl, and I absolutely love helping other people”.

 

HESLOP SPORTS INTERVIEW : OLIVIA NEL

ATHLETE: BIO/STATS

  • Name and Surname: Olivia Nel
  • Nickname: Livi
  • Date of birth: 23 July 2002
  • Place of birth: Cape Town
  • Current city: Cape Town
  • Height: 185m / 6.09ft
  • Weight: 69-71kg
  • Shoe size: UK 10
  • Club: Wynberg Swimlab Aquatic Academy
  • Coach’s name: Hilton Slack
  • Out of country events/meets: Junior World Championships in Indianapolis (2017) and Junior Africa Championships in Egypt (2017)
  • Secondary sport/sports: Gym (I also love running)
  • Favorite city: Aspen / Austin Texas – America
  • Favorite song/type of music: French music/mainstream songs/ motivational and chilled
  • Favorite movie: Kingsman
  • School and grade: Herschel girls school grade 10
  • Sponsors: Arena Swimwear
  • Twitter and Instagram names, facebook name: Instagram= Olivia.Nel10 (I don’t have facebook and twitter)
  • Website: — none —
  • Community / church projects involved in: Faith Club at school + chapel services + divinity lessons + part of DARG (animal) charity
  • Parents names, siblings: Mom-Annette ; Dad-Jeremy ; Brother-Jordan ; Twin sister-Georgia

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 was a little 10 year old youngster when I started swimming, but that wasn’t proper training as it was for waterpolo fitness so I only swam about once or twice a week. The prep school that I went to had waterpolo as one of their main sports so that was my focus and at that stage and I preferred waterpolo to swimming. I started swimming competitively at the age of 11 when I swam my first level one in Oudshoorn and things escalated from there when I won the 50 and 100 freestyle, it was then when I found my passion for swimming. I’ve always focused more on waterpolo especially when we traveled to America for a waterpolo camp in Malibu with US Olympic coach Terry Schroeder. At that stage I realized my love for the sport and stopped competing in the swimming arena for the whole of 2015 to focus on waterpolo. My parents never forced me to do anything so I realised on my own that swimming came very naturally for me, when I qualified for Junior African champs in Egypt off waterpolo training in 2017 and set the 50 and 100 free SA age group records at age 13 and 14 and at age 15 I set the SA age group record for 50 free. Therefore I only stared competing properly again in 2016 when I was 13 years old. Making and going on an international tour was an experience that I truly learnt from, and as I knew my dedication for swimming had to be uplifted, my love for waterpolo very slowly started to fade. I was selected to represent South Africa at another international tour to the World Junior Swimming Champs in Indianapolis, which was very exciting for me and a huge learning curve. My swim training naturally had increased tremendously at that point. I eventually realized that racing at such a high level and achieving at top standards was going to take a lot of strength and determination, so after a tough decision, I stopped waterpolo only in the middle of grade 9 when I was 14. It was not an easy decision although I could not manage doing both waterpolo and swimming training, matches and galas effectively, as both coaches wanted me to attend every practice. I am still happy I had done a team sport as it kept me versatile in what I wanted to do, although in the swimming field I felt so much love and support from my family and friends and especially my local idols such as SA sprint champion, Erin Gallagher, who has been an incredible and inspirational mentor to me. I just absolutely love racing against her, as she is always so supportive. It gives me new innovative ways to approach my training and improve to the higher levels. She is a hard working and dedicated person with the sweetest personality, which I absolutely adore. And there are one or two international heroes to me such as Sarah Sjostrom and Simone Manual, whom I also got the privilege of meeting in America. As my waterpolo journey has ended, swimming is now my main focus and I am ecstatic to see what the future holds for me, as I am still a young 15 year old. My most important focus right now is to never give up and always do the best I can in every training session so I can work towards each and every one of my goals and achieve them with greatness.

Q: You are part of a twin – how are you experiencing this in the swimming arena?

I absolutely love having a twin. We often say to each other that we honestly don’t know what we would do without the other… as you can tell we are very close. We spend a lot of time with one another and in terms of swimming we both have our competitive sides flaring, although we also love racing against each other. In terms of swimming I have more of a passion for sprinting short distances whereas Georgia loves the middle distance races, which she is currently very strong at! In and outside the pool we will always be best friends no matter what, hence one will always see us walking together, wearing the same clothes or doing the same things even though we do have many differences. We stay as close as possible at all times and greatly support each other in every situation. We are always there for one another no matter what.

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

I am a young, independent and very confident woman. I always love a sense of humor from everyone, and I am also very dedicated and hard working in everything I do. I will give my best in any task or obstacle that I face in life. I’m a very loving and welcoming girl, and I absolutely love helping other people.

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

Representing team South Africa at the Junior World Swimming Championships in Indianapolis last year, making the SA Junior Elite squad, breaking the 50 free age group record for 3 years in a row and the 100 free for 2 years, and lastly, qualifying for the Commonwealth Games in the 50 free at age 15.

Q: Beside your swimming what do you have a passion for?

Running, Biology, Art, friends and being in the ocean.

Q: Tell me one thing about yourself that the world does not know J?

I’m a very fast runner. If I did not swim, it would be my dream to be an Olympic runner! I’m left handed and I spend my free time drawing. I’m good with kids, and according to my coach, Hilton, I’m verrrry cheeky :-). I also love my school – Herschel Girls.

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

According to my mother, I’m often slightly forgetful 😉

Q: Do you want share a little on your faith journey so far?

I always put God first in my life along with my family. I pray often and attend many Christian events at school. Being honest, I do not go to church very often, although I read my bible and have a ‘Daily Devotions’ book that I read most nights. I often go to Divinity at school and I am also part of a faith club. I know I can ask God for help at any time in my life and I strive to praise his name high. Glory to God.

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

All the love and support I get from my family and friends and especially my Coach, Hilton Slack, and having God in my life to help me deal with every situation. I absolutely adore my swimming friends, and they are part of the reason that I love this sport so much, and find it easy to train for so many hours every day.

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

Each person has their own journey to success. Success is not what society defines as being “acceptable” or “amazing” compared to other people. One cannot define success as a comparison to others, its what you make of it. Success can be big or small, but if you try hard and you put the work in with dedication and discipline, your achievement will be successful.

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

People often ask me why I would want to train for hours on end staring at a black line in the water and why I put myself through it. It’s not about that; I do it because I love it! I only do what I love in life, and what makes my happy is all the hard work, dedication and fight put into the sport. I love the competitiveness that comes along with it, and I love achieving MY success knowing that I have done the work. I am obviously working for the next Olympics in 2020. It is very important to be an amazing role model to the youth, as they will be following and taking action by your standards and by the things you say. Always have a kind and open heart and the youth will eventually make their way up to greatness! The most important thing I can tell you about this sport called swimming… HAVE FUN! Don’t do it if you hate it, if you have fun you’ll carry on and achieve and when you start achieving, life can only escalate from there. 🙂

Q: Anything else you would like to share?

Focus on plan A, but always have a plan B.

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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Fresh & Hungry – Chanté Cornelius

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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!

 

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Fresh & Hungry – Henré Louw

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Henré Louw is part of a host of young stars emerging from the Swimming SA system. He is talented an multi-faceted young man who excels in Open water and competitive swimming. He has proudly represented our beautiful nation internationally where he gained valuable lessons and life experience. His has a wonderful mixture of skill, pace and endurance in the waters.

When asked “Who are you”, he says: It is a difficult question to answer.  I see myself as a normal teenager who started dreaming about my career at a very young age as I want to represent South Africa on the highest level I will be able to go.  For this reason, I do have to make sacrifices my friends and family do not always understand or appreciate.  When going out, I must think what I drink, what I eat and how late I want to stay up in order to give my best the next morning in the practice pool.  But I want people to see this characteristics in me, and to make them believe they can dream big too, if they are willing to work harder than they play”.

Athlete: Bio / Stats
Name & Surname Henré Louw
Nick Name None
Date of birth 2002-02-10
Place of birth Pretoria
Current City Pretoria
Height 1,83m
Weight 69kg
Shoe Size 9
Club TUKS
Coach’s Name Linda de Jager
Out of Country events/ meets Hong Kong, Cyprus, Doha, Mauritius, Mozambique
Secondary Sport/ sports Waterpolo
Favorite City Italy
Favorite Song/ type of music Ed Sheeran – Dive
Favorite Movie Kingsman the Golden Circle
School & Grade Afrikaans Hoër Seunskool Gr 9
Sponsors ARENA
Twitter and Instagram names, facebook name henre.louw
Web site https://kydrin.co.za/goals/view/399
Community / church projects involved in NG Kerk – Lynnwood
Parents Names, siblings Pieter and Lomé Louw (parents)

Older brother – Pieter Louw

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 started swimming when I was 11.  I was fortunate to do a TV program on Disney Channel with Cameron van der Burgh where I held his golden Olympic Medal.  This is where my journey and dreams started.  I had many hiccups on my way up to now.  I tore my ligaments and had fractures in my ankle after attending a trampoline party just before a big swim event.  My appendix needed to be removed also before SA Short Course last year.  Luckily incredible doctors crossed my path.  I will always be thankful:  Dr Stoffberg, Dr Mook, Dr Kelbrick, Dr Van Onselen and Physiotherapist Louis Olivier.

I must give accolade to coach Linda de Jager on this jouney of mine, she is the one person that takes all my nonsense every day!

Q: Who are you? 

It is a difficult question to answer.  I see myself as a normal teenager who started dreaming about my career at a very young age as I want to represent South Africa on the highest level I will be able to go.  For this reason, I do have to make sacrifices my friends and family do not always understand or appreciate.  When going out, I must think what I drink, what I eat and how late I want to stay up in order to give my best the next morning in the practice pool.  But I want people to see this characteristics in me, and to make them believe they can dream big too, if they are willing to work harder than they play.

Q: You have just done some international swimming. Congrats! How did you experience it? Lessons learned?

Attending the World Cup in Doha and Hong Kong made me realized very quickly that swimmers all around the world are equal.  To describe it better, I rode in the bus with all the top swimmers like Katinka Hosszu and Chad le Clos, Cameron van der Burgh and Sarah Sjostrom to the events. There is not a “better” bus for the “better” ranked swimmers.  I also realized my swim family is not only the other swimmers practicing with met at TUKS.  The swimmers mentioned above treat you equally and to any other competitor, even when you are much younger and less experienced.  I try to make a new swim friend at every meet or gala I attend.

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

I represented South-Africa in Mauritius in December 2017 in the CANA ZONE 4 Junior Open Water Swimming Championships where I won the 5km and 3km.  This was swimming with a view!  Our relay team also won gold.

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

Sometimes you attend a swim gala or a meet and nothing goes according to your plan.  It is in these times you must remember it is not your plan but God’s plan for your life.  And everything always works out perfectly according to His plan for your life.

Q: What do you do to relax?

To my mom’s agony I do like square objects.  Watching TV, play XBox, lying on the sofa staring at my cellphone, I also watch movies with my brother and friends.

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

Hard to believe, but there is life after swimming. For this reason one should never neglect the education given to you.  I do believe if the education system in South Africa can benefit all, we will be the top country in the world.  My father’s favorite saying is:  “You have two ears, and one mouth for a reason.”  Learn from words spoken by other.

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

I do struggle to be neat….. (My mom is going to love my honesty about this one).

And then hard to admit, but I suck at Monopoly!

Q: What is your personal favourite motivational quote?

I am not talented, I am obsessed – Conor McGregor

Q: What is your favourite Bible / Scripture quote?

Give God your weaknesses, and He will give you His strength.

Q: What’s your WHY ?  Why do you do what you do? What type of influence do you see yourself having on our nation’s and continent’s youth?

MY WHY: To worship God by the talent He gave me.

FOR THE YOUTH:  Never ever give up.

I am asked to swim the 8 Mile for CANSA at Midmar Mile 2018.  The reason for me saying yes to this project;  I am living my dream, and by swimming the 8 Mile I hope to put a dream back in another one’s heart to stay positive and keep fighting.  If you want to read more please go to https://kydrin.co.za/goals/view/399

Tannie Cresi, thank you for interviewing me.  I am still a no-namer in the sport, but people like you give me hope for the future as you believe in me!   Regards Henré

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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Meet the young Athletes – Tasneen Ebrahim

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Today we chat to Tasneem Ebrahim, a proud daughter of Nelson Mandela Bay who has done her part in in showing humility, a champion’s heart and excellence in the swimming arena. She is driven by hard work, lot of fun and a  joie de vivre that is contagious. She has proudly represented our beautiful nation and shown the steel that she is made of. “A girly girl” on the inside but lined with steel.

Her views on education is that it is a great equiliser.  She says this about herself  “ I am a very happy, go- lucky person and love to reach my full potential in everything that I do.  I love to joke around and have fun with friends and have the reputation as the person that can tell the lamest jokes or always have a pun ready. A few characteristics that I would love to take with me now and for the future is stay dedicated, disciplined, work hard and enjoy every second of it. Because if you do something you love every day, you will never get tired of it”.

 

 

Virtrix Ludorum – Top Female Swimmer – NMU Madibaz Gala 2017

 

Athlete: Bio / Stats
Name & Surname Tasneen Ebrahim
Nick Name Tazz
Date of birth 16th of September 2002
Place of birth Port Elizabeth
Current City Port Elizabeth
Height 175 cm
Weight 66kg
Shoe Size 7
Club PEA
Coach’s Name Mark Edge
Out of Country events/ meets Swimming: CANA Zone 3 Games held in Rwanda (2016)

Open water: LEN Cup held in Rome, Italy (2017); CANA Zone 4 Junior Open Water Championship held in Mauritius (2017)
Secondary Sport/ sports Hockey
Favorite City Rome
Favorite Song/ type of music All music
Favorite Movie All types, especially sci-fi.
School & Grade St Dominic’s Priory , Grade 10 (2018)
Sponsors None
Twitter and Instagram names, facebook name Instagram: tazz_ebrahim

FaceBook: Tasneen Ebrahim Swimming, @TasneenSwimming
Community / church projects involved in St. Dominic’s Priory Interact Club
Parents Names, siblings Mother: Melisa Ebrahim.

Father: Reza Ebrahim.

Younger sister: Jenah Ebrahim

Sportsman of The Year 2016 Award present by SA Olympic swimmer Jessica Roux

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 started getting into swimming at a very young age due to the fact that I had battled with asthma and was recommended by my doctors to start swimming to help me regulate my breathing. I only started the competitive side of swimming in about Grade 5. My first gala I managed to swim a level 1 qualifying time and then from that moment on I’ve fallen in love with the sport. From a newbie swimmer to being chosen to represent our country at various international events and qualifying for various other nationals.

Q: Firstly – you have been blessed to have been part of Team SA recently –  Congrats! How did you experience it?

Thanks you so much! I found racing internationally and against other countries can be really exciting. It was a huge learning curve for me. Watching the best in the World get ready before big races, how they warm up and various other things was amazing. Overall I loved every second of it,  and experiencing all the different cultures of each country and meeting so many swimmers across the globe and being in a team with some of the best swimmers in South Africa was incredible. Also the opportunity to be a representative and ambassador for SA was a big responsibility and great honour for me.

Team SA in Rwanda at the CANA Games

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

I am a very happy, go- lucky person and love to reach my full potential in everything that I do.  I love to joke around and have fun with friends and have the reputation as the person that can tell the lamest jokes or always have a pun ready. A few characteristics that I would love to take with me now and for the future is stay dedicated, disciplined, work hard and enjoy every second of it. Because if you do something you love every day, you will never get tired of it.

Medals won in Rwanda at the CANA Games 2016

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

My highest accolade was being selected for the national squad for Open Water. My greatest personal achievements happens at every one of my races and practices because I know that I have achieved more today than I had the day before.

Q: Beside your swimming what do you have a passion for?

I have a passion for many sports , but mostly hockey. I love indoor hockey and field, and often try and make time for the sport. It allows me a bit of team sport, socializing and a release of some feistiness.

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

The value of education in a young person is very important. Education allows us the opportunity to experience and prepare us for our future, whether it’s the basic education of reading and writing to chemical equations; education is what gives us the benefits of knowing what is happening in the world around us and how we fit in.  It helps us to be able to contribute in a positive way and an equal chance at life.

Q: Tell me one thing about yourself that the world does not know 🙂?

I’m secretly a girly girl.

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

I can’t cook… at all.

Team SA Relay in Rwanda

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

I’m out of this world grateful for my family, for supporting me in every one of my decisions and giving me every opportunity to reach my dream one day. I’m also grateful for each one of my supporters out there, who always send me good luck messages and personal ones too. I thank each of them for believing in me and always putting a smile on my face.

 

Q: Which athlete inspires you and why?

Katinka Hosszu, AKA “The Iron Lady”, because she always pushes the boundaries of swimming and drives herself to achieve her full potential. She has single-handedly changed the face of female swimming, gone from seeing women as a weaker sex to seeing us as equal.

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

To define success in life is to be happy with what you doing and that you are pushing yourself to the absolute most. The result should reflect on the amount of work put into your goal and if it all matches up … I say that’s success!

Meeting Chad Le Chlos

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

I do this because I love it. It’s my thing and it’s something that separates me from the rest of the world. I don’t only for myself , but hope to one day be a role-model for every little girl out there who thinks their dreams are bigger than themselves. No dream is to big or to small, and to reach for the stars. And to never ever give up, no matter what anyone tells you, because it’s your dream … now go and chase it.

Q: Anything else you would like to share?

Yes, thank you, I want to share a quote that I learnt a long time ago, something that when others said I was silly to be swimming “all the time” and something I needed to continue to focus on my dreams…

“Today I will do what others won’t, so tomorrow I can do what others can’t.” – Jerry Rice

Spar River Mile Top 10 finish on debut – 2017

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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Fresh & Hungry – Natasha Cornelius

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Natasha Cornelius, brilliant and motivational young swimmer opens the year for us on a high note in style and in excellence.

 

Wise and grounded in her faith in Christ, she stands tall in what she believes in. She talks from the heart about being a twin alongside her swimming sis.  She is a true inspiration for our younger athletes with her positive vibe. She has a caring heart for her team mates and loves giving back by engaging and making small children laugh.

 

She say about herself “I am daughter, sister, friend and cousin. I am a swimmer, hard worker, dedicated and passionate person.  But most importantly, I am a child of God. I would like to see patience increased within myself as I grow into my future”.

 

Athlete: Bio / Stats
Name & Surname Natasha Cornelius
Nick Name Tash, Tasha or Natash
Date of birth 8 November 2001
Place of birth Centurion
Current City Pretoria
Height 1,70 m
Weight 60 kg
Shoe Size 6
Club Pretoria Aquatic Club
Coach’s Name Eugene da Ponte
Out of Country events Golfinhos Sprint Gala
Secondary Sport Hockey until end Gr9
Favorite City New York City
Favorite Song/ Type of music My type – The Chainsmokers
Favorite Movie The lucky one
School & Grade Die Hoerskool Menlopark, grade 11
Twitter/Instagram/Facebook Instagram – Natasha.cor
Parents Names, siblings Mom – Dalene

Dad – Richard

Brother – Jean-Michael

Sister – Chante

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 parents sent us to learn how to swim when we were small.  Being at Hatfield Christian School where swimming was one of their main sports, we swam for the school team.  Throughout all of this, my talent for swimming was fully developed. Through swimming I learned a lot and not only about the sport, but also some valuable life lessons, such as “never to give up” “there are times that you need to push hard and then there is times to rely on your team” just to mention a few.   I’ve achieved personal goals, which I’m proud of. And it has given me the opportunity to meet new people, which fit in with my love of people.

Q: You are part of a twin – how are you experiencing this in the swimming arena?

At first it was difficult to leave the rivalry at the pool and to not bring it home with us.  Both of us are very competitive which makes it a real challenge at times. It was a challenge to be happy for my sister when I’m disappointed in myself and my own performance. It took time but eventually we learnt to be proud of each other. Sometimes one is just better on the day. That being said, I cannot be happier when my sister achieves one of her goals.

Q: Who are you? 

I am daughter, sister, friend and cousin. I am a swimmer, hard worker, dedicated and passionate person.  But most importantly, I am a child of God. I would like to see patience increased within myself as I grow into my future.

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

I have won a bronze medal at Jnr Nationals 2016 and have made a few semifinals at SA Short course in 2017. Made SA Schools team in 2017.

My greatest personal accomplishment would definitely have to be within the swimming arena.  One of my greatest and proudest achievements was when I swam the 100m Freestyle in 59.80sec, – under 1 minute in the previous season.

Q: Besides your swimming what do you have a passion for?

I have a passion for small children and making them laugh.  Music is another great love where I can lose myself.

Q: Tell me one thing about yourself that the world does not know 🙂 ?

I don’t eat butter or pepper ever.

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

I suck at singing but I really wish I could sing though.

Q: Do you want share a little on your faith journey so far?

Christ died for me so I swim for him.  I believe in a personal relationship with Jesus, listening to Christian music to inspire me and always trust in that inner voice of the Holy Spirit.

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

I am grateful for my family and the people my life.  Those people that never gives up on me.

Q: In your opinion, how do you define success in life? 

Success to me is when someone achieves a goal no matter the size of it. It is when they feel they have accomplished something. A successful person is someone who never gives up on their will to get to a goal or achieve something and then living that dream of purpose.

Q: What’s your WHY ? 

I love swimming because of the talent God has given me. It is a part of me and I don’t think I can live without it. I’d like to be an example to younger children to never give up on your dreams and talents.  Always work hard and believe in yourself.  They must understand my morals as well as my commitment to everything I do in life.  In everything, be excellent, not just average.   I do everything to please God because he is the reason that I live. My team mates have become like a second family to me as I spend a lot of time with them. They understand me and go through the pain with me. I love the burn after a good set.

Q: Anything else you would like to share?

Do everything to the best of your ability because the things we take for granted other people are praying for. The only difference between try and triumph is a little umph.

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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