Category Archives: Proudly South African

Academics Africa Build me a son Faith Frank Home Interviews Our Sons Proudly South African Sharks Soccer Sports

Fresh & Hungry: Frank Heslop

May 9, 2015 Published by: Cresi Heslop

Introduction

I have decided to do a series of interviews with our young athletes called “Fresh & hungry”. These interviews will feature the “older” young athletes. I will be asking a few more in depth questions compared to the questions asked to the younger athletes in the “Meet the Young Athletes” series. The Fresh & hungry questions will hopefully give some insight into the minds of these young athletes and maybe even reveal a few secrets for us to learn from.

First up in our Fresh & Hungry Series, I speak to Frank Heslop born 26 March 1996, up-and-coming young footballer, ex-swimming champs medallist and dedicated academic, blogger, who currently attends the Sharks Soccer Academy in Durban. He is a Cambridge University matric graduate – class of 2013, currently first year Varsity College student, studying B.Com and Jesus follower.

Read on to see what stirs this young man and what his plans hold for the future……

Interview:

So Frank, you just turned 18, how does that make you feel?

I am not going to lie, I am starting to feel quite old and that time is slowly running away.

You are passionate about your football, tell me a little bit about your football journey up to now.

It has been an amazing journey, from starting out in football and developing a passion for the game. I started out playing club football and then I realised that I want a career in football so I joined an academy and I am still in an academy, so thus far I am living the dream as many people would love to have the opportunity that I have. Football has allowed me to travel in the past, I will always treasure my trip to Brazil a few years back, and hopefully it will allow me to travel in the future.

You matriculated at the age of 16, how did that make you feel and how did it affect your football?

At that stage the midnight oil was my best buddy! Finishing school early allowed me to focus on my football and take my time with important decisions to make sure that the decisions I make were the best decisions possible.

What are you currently pursuing or what isn’t happening yet that you’re interested in making happen?

I told you, I am feeling quite old now at 18 so I feel it is time for me to break into some professional teams and move on to bigger things such as playing oversees.

Beside your football, what do you have a passion for?

I have a passion for human performance, I want to know what allows people’s bodies to perform the way it does. I am also always trying to figure out how people become or have become good at what they do, I do not fully believe in natural talent. I believe that is either their environment or their hard work that allows them to become so good.

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

My father always says “You have to see yourself there (Overseas)”. My Grandfather says “Never give up”. I love this because this is what will determine whether I make it in football or not. Whether I go through ups or downs these two words of advice will determine if I succeed.

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

You will hear it all the time and it is no secret “Hard Work and Determination”. If I do not work hard I will not make it.

You have been living away from home since the age of 14 – what life lessons have you learned in this regard?

Firstly I have realised how much I need my family. They are the reason I am where I am. They are my motivation. Secondly life is not fair and if you lack even the slightest bit of confidence you will not succeed. Being away has really helped me put my trust in Jesus to deliver me from all circumstances, and trust me He has come through.

Family time

Fun with my baby-bro!

I see you often post stuff from Eric Thomas – “the hip hop preacher”, do you feel influenced by his life story?

Yeah because he has failed for so long and has never given up. It took him 12 years to get a 4 year degree, so he understands what it feels like to persevere. Many people would not even last 2 years yet he lasted 12. That is not even his full testimony. I love that he uses his testimony to change people’s lives. I love that he stands strong in his faith in Jesus.

Do you think that sports can be a ministry tool by which the lost can be reached?

Yes I do. I believe that sports is a platform to reach out to the lost and preach the Gospel. The whole world watches sports and many people look up to sportsmen and women so therefore they can make an impact on souls.

Tell me one thing about Frank David Heslop that the world does not know?

I enjoy eating bunny chows an Indian dishes.

Down time!

I’m sure you have many things going on right now, what’s to be expected next from Frank Heslop?

I am looking forward to the future, I am seeing some huge things happening and I believe that the right doors will open up. I have huge dreams and I believe soon I will be living out these dreams.

Thank you Frank for speaking to me in this interview. I wish you all the very best blessings for your academic and sports endeavours, and would love to follow your progress and plans for the future.

Blog Posts Written by Frank here:

http://heslopsports.co.za/wp/the-love-language-of-sports/

http://heslopsports.co.za/wp/opportunities-by-frank-heslop/

http://heslopsports.co.za/wp/for-the-love-of-the-game/

Frank in action:

Check out Frank’s Skills on You Tube here

Sea Vacations are the best!

Never found without my footie

Training Time at Sharks

I am looking forward to the future, I am seeing some huge things happening and I believe that the right doors will open up. I have huge dreams and I believe soon I will be living out these dreams. Frank

Africa Faith Home Interviews Proudly South African Sports Swimming

Up-Close with Karin Prinsloo

May 2, 2015 Published by: Cresi Heslop

INTRODUCTION

Karin Prinsloo, SA’s Top Female swimmer, one of Africa’s and South Africa’s finest daughters, dedicated Olympian and our beloved Queen of the Swimming Pool talks to Heslop Sports in an exclusive interview.

She is also the deserving recipient of the African Female Swimmer of the Year award 2013. This ordinary girl from Marble Hall, with her extra-ordinary faith, vision, dedication and talent, is not just a triumphant athlete, but one who sets a brilliant example of purposeful living, showing that “this life is a dress rehearsal for eternity” (Leonard Ravenhill). This is the type of sportsmanship that inspires a generation, our Nation, our African Continent and also the world.

This champion represents SA well on the world’s top swimming arena’s and podiums, she is a multiple South African and African record holder and medalist, coach, mentor, and unashamedly an ambassador for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, in and out of the water. Karin strives to motivate young athletes wherever she travels to or finds herself.

Read on to see what stirs this inspiring young lady, and what her plans hold for the future……

Queen of the Swimming Pool

INTERVIEW:

How did Karin Prinsloo start out, and how did she become known as South Africa’s Queen of the Swimming Pool?

I started at the age of 6 years old, I’m the youngest of 4 sisters and swimming definitely ‘ran’ in the family. It was at the age of 10 when I first represented SA in Sydney, Australia where I realised that I had been given a huge talent.

Who inspired you when you were much younger?

Natalie Coughlin and Ryan Lochte – USA Olympic medalists.

Who inspires you now?

Over the years things changed a lot. Godly people started inspiring me. And unfortunately in the swimming world, a strong Christian is hard to find. My sisters, mom, dad, pastors and fellow brother-and-sisters-in-Christ inspires me. In the swimming world people like Suzaan van Biljon, Trudi Maree and Penny Heyns inspired me because of their faith in Him.

I know you had injuries and illness leading up to SA Nationals, but you still did very well, congratulations! What advice can you give young athletes about making a comeback after a major setback?

Mind over matter – illnesses and injuries will definitely pop up and in my case at the worst times. But it’s what you make of it. You can either let it ruin your competition or make it. I went to Nationals with little expectations because of my bad build-up. Sometimes not having all the pressure on you is ideal and you should see it as a positive when injured or ill. Sometimes you’ll end up surprising yourself.

One of the things that I admire about you is your openness about your faith in Jesus Christ. Can you tell me a little bit more about your faith journey?

From a young age my parents made sure I was raised in a very good Christian home. Always trying to be the best. But only in 2012/2013 I was given a new heart and it became a relationship not just religious do’s and don’ts. I used to swim for people, self-exaltation etc. but it was after I qualified for the London Olympics where everything changed. I prayed for it day in and day out. The Lord was faithful and blessed me with it. But it left me empty. I realized I made His gifts bigger than Him. Only when I started swimming for Him and His glory alone my swimming improved and I was content with failure and success. He knows exactly what you need, and sometimes an injury or bad times are exactly what you need in order for you to stay close to or lean on Him. He’ll bless you when you are ready and your heart is in the right place. But we often forget that having an able body is a huge enough blessing already. The rest are all just extras. Grace.

Do you think that sports can be a ministry tool by which the lost can be reached?

In 2013 disciple-making pressed hard on my heart and ever since, everywhere I tour I really try to be a light and spread the Good News where I can. I know my purpose in swimming is far more than just winning medals but by winning souls. And I pray that He will use me more and more and that I’ll be faithful and listen to Him. Can’t think of anything more amazing than Him using you to win a soul/s.

Karin doing her brilliant backstroke thing

Tell me one thing about Karin Prinsloo that the world does not know.

I REALLY dislike having wet hair – haha.

Not surprisingly you are also involved in your community, striving towards the upliftment of young female athletes – and mentoring the 12 year old Duné Coetzee. This is wonderful. What would you like to see as the outcome of this journey?

Duné’s dad approached me last year, and I’ve been loving the mentorship programme. Us girls in SA definitely need some guidance when life kicks in. I hope to teach Duné things that I wish I’d known when I was her age and the struggles she’s still going to face. Hopefully it will prolong her swimming career and help her in life in general. I really learnt a lot about myself too and it’s great being able to give back. She’s a hard worker and I’m sure she’ll go far. Excited to see what the Lord has in store for her.

Explain your career, and how do you balance it with being a professional swimmer and Olympian?

I took over a Learn- to-Swim school in 2013. I absolutely love coaching little ones. With all my injuries and health issues I decided last year to team up with 2x Olympian Suzaan van Biljon. She took over my coaching job whilst I took over the admin side of the swim school. For now it’s ideal and gives me more time to concentrate on my swimming and rehab when needed.

Karin with Coach Igor Omeltchenko

Where to from here Karin Prinsloo?

I would love to make a final next year at the Rio Olympics. I’ll be working hard till then and hopefully I can make SA proud. I’ve also learned that we can have many plans and dreams, but the Lord knows what we need and will provide and whatever the outcome if you gave your best, win or lose, His will is always better than yours.

After my swimming I would love to build up my swim school and give clinics on stroke corrections on weekends etc.

Blessings

Thank you so much Karin for this special interview and giving us a glimpse into your plans, preparation and what is on your heart!

Karin looking all relaxed

Ready, Steady, GO!!

Karin in full flight

Perfection

Academics Home Interviews Proudly South African Sports Swimming

Meet the Young Athletes: Chloe Preston

April 25, 2015 Published by: Cresi Heslop

Introduction

Continuing in our series “Meet the young athletes”, next up is the young, determined and brilliant Chloe Preston, multitasker of note, and multi-talented too! A fun loving young lady, with a very gentle spirit and one who loves people. She is a scholar at St Ursula’s Primary School in Krugersdorp where she has for the past two years walked away as the top academic achiever for her grade, plus the Junior swimmer of the year awards for the last two years. She is one who is learning from an early age to manage her time wisely, and managing to excel in both academics and sports. She is excited to take her swimming to a new level and has recently added club swimming to her wide array of activities.

Read on to find out more about this blooming young champion!

Interview

Who are you, what sport are you passionate about, and how old are you?

I am Chloe Preston, I love swimming, and I turned 11 on 16 April 2015.

At what age did you start swimming and why?

I learned to swim when I was about three years old, because I have always loved water. I enjoy swimming in school galas, it especially feels good when I win my events.

Would you like to share some highlights about your sports events so far?

A highlight for me was when I received the Junior Swimmer of the year award at school in 2013 and 2014.

If you were not going to be involved in swimming, what sport do you think you would be involved in?

If I did not take part in swimming I would play hockey or do athletics.

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

During the week it is super crazy, because I have school until 2pm, then swimming from 3.15-4.30pm, Mon-Thurs. After that I have to do homework or study. On a Monday and Thursday I also go to Kumon, for extra Maths. On Fridays I go to Guides after school and then have guitar lessons at 5.30pm. This is all because of my amazing mum, she always gets me to school and extra-murals on time. She teaches me how to manage my time.

Tell me about what you like to do to relax?

Over the weekends I relax and spend time with my family. For relaxation I like to listen to music, read books, play games and take long drives with my family.

What is your favorite food? And who must cook it?

My favourite food is any good Italian food cooked by my parents.

Who is your sports hero in the sports that you are involved in? What have you learned from him / her?

Cameron van der Burgh, I learned from him that if you train hard it can get you to the Olympics.

What is your personal favourite motivational quote?

With hard work comes great rewards. Practice makes perfect.

Young academic

Home Proudly South African Sports Swimming

Report back Level 3 Swimming Championships 2015

April 10, 2015 Published by: Cresi Heslop

Nelson Mandela Bay’s Newton Park Swimming Pool was the place to be this last 12-16 March 2015, as they hosted the SA Level 3 National Swimming Championships.

The young Ruan Breytenbach, aged 12 made his debut at this highly competitive South African National Swimming Champs. He had all heads turning in his direction as he went full force, with much excitement and totally fearless for each and every race.

Ruan was well prepared on all fronts by his two brilliant Hillcrest Swimming Club coaches, Leon Anderson and Marcus Gloak. Ruan’s culmination of hard work and dedication shined through when he brought home 7 silver and 3 bronze medals, improved all his times, broke 6 NTS records and 1 SA record. He smashed the following NTS Records: 100m, 200m Butterfly; 200m IM; 100m, 200m Breaststroke and 400m Freestyle. He also co-broke the SA record for 100m Butterfly.

With this type of stellar performance at such a big event, all I can say is “watch out world – here comes Ruan”. Also read more about this well rounded youth here, when we interviewed him a while back.

These are Ruan’s words of encouragement to other young athletes, a firm truth that he himself reads and internalises each and every time before a race, since his very first race:

“DO NOT LIMIT YOURSELF. MANY PEOPLE LIMIT THEMSELVES TO WHAT THEY THINK THEY CAN DO. YOU CAN GO AS FAR AS YOUR MIND LETS YOU. WHAT YOU BELIEVE, REMEMBER, YOU CAN ACHIEVE”. Mary Kay Ash

Below is a “visual tour” of Ruan’s Level 3 Swimming Champs 2015

Home Jonathan Our Sons Proudly South African Sports Swimming

Report back Level 2 Swimming Championships 2015

April 3, 2015 Published by: Cresi Heslop

The SA Level 2 Regional Age group Swimming Championships took place 19 – 22 March 2015 in Germiston at the Delville Swimming Pool.

Jonathan Heslop (Jono), aged 11, had a brilliant Level 2. He really enjoyed the fruit of his labour at this champs and found himself a bit stretched at times, but in very high spirits throughout the 4 days! He saw the benefits of good mental and physical preparation with Coach Hendrik. Jono swam the following events – 50m, 100m, 200m Backstroke; 50m, 100m Butterfly; 50m, 100m, 200m Freestyle, 50m, 100m, 200m Breaststroke and 200m Individual Medley. He was also selected for two relay events. Here, this smallest member on team blasted the water like dynamite and contributed to the relay victory for Team Tuks! As they say: TUKS OF NIKS!

Throughout the 4 days he pushed on bravely and managed to make it to the finals for all the above events. He slashed down a total of 33 seconds collectively across all his events. He proudly brought home 3 medals: 1 gold and 2 bronze. Well done for your courage, bravery and persistence Jonathan!

“THEREFORE, SINCE WE ARE SURROUNDED BY SUCH A GREAT CLOUD OF WITNESSES, LET US THROW OFF EVERYTHING THAT HINDERS AND THE SIN THAT SO EASILY ENTANGLES. AND LET US RUN WITH PERSEVERANCE THE RACE MARKED OUT FOR US”. HEBREWS 12:1

Below is a “visual tour” of Level 2 Swimming Champs 2015!

Delville Swimming Pool: Day 1: clear waters and blue skies

Coaches Home Interviews Proudly South African Sports Swimming

Meet the Coaches – Hendrik v d Merwe

March 27, 2015 Published by: Cresi Heslop

Introduction

As a parent of two sports sons, I know just how important a coach is in the life of a child. They are the experts in their particular sports fields. They guide, teach, advise, and correct our children in their passion for a sport. Many times these coaches fade and blend into the background as the focus goes onto the achievements of an athlete who does well in his or her sports.

But with this new series called “Meet the Coaches” I want to bring our coaches back into the front line. I want to say: coaches you matter, you make a difference and you are sent by God to guide and lead our children in their sports paths. I want to thank and celebrate our coaches for their long, hard hours and passion in teaching and training our children not only in sports skills but also in important life skills.

Today I am talking to Coach Hendrik van der Merwe. A great Olympian, true athlete, and a man who does not shy away from long hours and hard work. One who personally knows the “grind”, with a deep passion and dedication to see his young athletes that he coaches progress to the top.

Read on to find out more about this special coach!

Your nick name is Coach Legs – tell me a little bit about that?

The nickname Legs comes from one of my very first swimming tours. At a SA Schools Champs to Durban I made friends with two girls on the swim team, they gave me the nickname of Legs. Ever since the name just stuck, with family, friends and colleagues. I guess it is because people are comfortable with me, due to the fact that I am always making jokes about my disability. There is no time in life to look down on yourself.

How did you get involved in swim coaching?

Swimming is my life, I was forced to give up my own swimming career, because bills need to be paid and I do not get the time during the day anymore to train like a professional, of course me being me, I do not like doing things half. None the less I love my job as a Coach. I get to be involved in the sport still, the swim team gets to inspire one another, I get to produce quality swimmers, and I absolutely live for that indescribable goose bumps feeling that sport gives one, it is simply amazing. Swimming is a way of life and one will never survive in this sport unless you as an individual is driven by passion.

How long have you been coaching?

I have been coaching now for + – 3years.

What do you think are the top 1 or 2 characteristics of a good coach?

It will be difficult to name only two characteristics although two very important characteristics would be: Sharing a common love with your swimmers, and for you and the team to have the same visions moving forward.

What is your favorite part about coaching?

Showing the swimmers that they are capable of so much more. Creating stronger more confident swimmers. What we apply in the pool can also be applied in our day to day lives.

At this moment – what are you working on with your swim team?

Currently we are just working towards a successful year, although most of it being achieving more goals and improvements in training. After all, if one wants to race passionately, one must train passionately.

If you have to sum it up shortly, what is your number one aim as a coach for now and for the future?

Producing Olympic Athletes, and becoming one of the world’s greatest.

Are your all work and no play with your swim squad?

I am all about hard work, but it is important to play hard as well. Then again content vs context means everything.

If you could change a rule in swimming, what would it be?

Allowing more dolphin kicks on the breaststroke start.

Besides your professional work as a coach – what do you have a passion for?

I have a passion for keeping fit, and I have a strong liking to the pit bull dog breed.

Name the best moment of your coaching career so far?

Every day of coaching will have a minimum of one or two good moments.

Tell me about what you like to do to relax?

After a long week of coaching and working out, I do absolutely nothing and just plain enjoy being lazy.

You are an Olympian who participated in the 2012 London Paralympics Games. When you swam for you country, what did it feel like?

Swimming for my country gave me a good feeling and sense of achievement. It was a very proud moment for me competing in various IPC world championship events.

What word of motivation do you have for young athletes?

Train as perfect as possible, focus on doing the small things right. Always have long term success in mind when working towards a goal. Without passion nothing is attainable.

What is your favourite motivational quote?

”If the only prayer you say in your life is thank you, that would suffice. Perseverance, Gratitude, Blessed life.

Watch him on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bz1-KRaHkPg

Relaxing at home with some “good friends” who do not talk back!

The daily grind to keep fit

The glory days of Olympics

Hendrik part of Team SA – London 2012

Quiet moment of contemplation before the race!

Watchful eye over his young athletes warming up at SA Level 2 Champs

Some poolside fun between coach and student.

A coaches reward – SOME MEDALS!

Coach Hendrik in action!

Coaches you matter, you make a difference and you are sent by God to guide and lead our children in their sports paths.

Academics Home Libraries Proudly South African Sports

SA Library Week 2015

March 13, 2015 Published by: Cresi Heslop

South Africa celebrates National Library Week during 14 – 21 March 2015 with the theme “Connect @ your library”. The official launch takes place in Cape Town on 13 March at Centre for the book.

Is it not beautiful how certain things in life just seamlessly connect and knit people of diverse walks of life together, things like books, libraries and the love of reading. I am a firm library advocate and with this post I want to emphasize again to our youth in general and to our young athletes, the importance of being a reading generation of young people.

Do not get so overwhelmed in your compulsory school / university reading, or sports activities that quiet reading time is neglected. I am not sure if libraries are still considered “cool” among our youth, but I dare you, go to your local library and start a trend of being cool at your library!

Why not treat yourself and find libraries in your communities to visit and use the visit to connect with peers your age, your broader community and much more. I take particular pride our National Library of South Africa in Pretoria. A true beauty to behold, inspiring, a feast for the eye, a hub of wonderful paper and electronic information, a caring group of people and a real sense of “Connect @ your library”.

Young athletes – keep reading, keep studying, enlarge your horizons, broaden your experiences, get motivated, get educated, and fuel your dreams.

Young athletes – keep reading, keep studying, enlarge your horizons, broaden your experiences, get motivated, get educated, and fuel your dreams.

Image courtesy of The Library and Information Association of South Africa – www.liasa.org

Build me a son Frank Home Our Sons Proudly South African Sharks Soccer Sports

For The Love Of The Game

January 11, 2015 Published by: Frank

For The Love Of The Game by Frank David Heslop

Check out Frank’s Skills on You Tube here

I thought quite hard on how I should start off and what I should write about in my first essay and then it hit me. I thought let me start with how I started off in sport.

I remember as a child why I used to play the beautiful game. It was never about achieving anything great in the beginning, yet I trained so damn hard as if I was trying to achieve something though. On the journey of becoming a sportsman (high school years), I started on a high note but then I suddenly reached a tough patch. I have had some tough fighting, situations that I could not see myself overcoming. The thought of giving up would sometimes find its way into my thoughts, but I always had great people in my life to keep me going.

I would fall down and pick myself up again and again, with the help of my great family. Yet one thing I did not learn was to overcome the disappointment and anger of falling. Falling is the best way to learn and develop. However one needs to learn to fall without hurting oneself so badly that it takes too long to recover. This was the biggest problem with me at the time: that when I fell it would take something valuable away from me and I would either not recover properly or take too long to recover.

So to get back to the point of why I used to play the beautiful game as a child. It was because I loved playing it. I had no one telling me that I should give up because I am not good enough and even if I did I would not even care because I was playing the game for the right reason, because I loved it. I did not care about the coach’s or anyone’s opinion, I just wanted to play because it brought me joy. I could spend hours outside or in the yard kicking the ball around because of the love I had for the game.

Now whenever you in a tough patch in your sports career, remember why you started playing the sport in the first place and try to play it exactly the same way that you did as a child, with joy and happiness. Then when you fall, you will fall with joy and even though you might get hurt falling you will always be able to get back up. Picture a baby trying to transition from crawling to walking, they will fall a thousand times, sometimes they laugh and sometimes they cry but they will always fall just hard enough to pick themselves back up again.

My final words are the most important of all from 1 John 4:7-8. It says; “Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love”. At the end of this scripture it says that “God is love” meaning that if you play with love and for love, you are playing with God and for God because He is love and He has created love. So that feeling you get whenever you feel as if you enjoying the sport or game so much that you say you love it, that is God right by you guiding you because you are playing with Him by your side.

Frank Heslop

Frank training at the Sharks

Frank in action for the Sharks

http://youtu.be/qY4L_fOppos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Evi9y74A0s

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Category Archives: Proudly South African

Fresh & Hungry: Frank Heslop

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Up-Close with Karin Prinsloo

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Meet the Young Athletes: Chloe Preston

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Report back Level 3 Swimming Championships 2015

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Report back Level 2 Swimming Championships 2015

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Meet the Coaches – Hendrik v d Merwe

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SA Library Week 2015

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For The Love Of The Game

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