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Catching up with our Olympians: Bradley Tandy

July 20, 2016 Published by: Cresi Heslop

Bradley Tandy is an Olympian that exudes such joie de vivre and this fun element is so essential for sustained brilliance in sport and in life. I love the way he extends the wise principles of success that he applies to his sport, through into his life and all aspects of it even his dancing 🙂 Tango with the water hey! Brad is fun loving yet so deeply passionate and serious to become on of SA’s greats in sports.

In response to “Who are you?” Brad says “Tough question. Those who know me well could answer this better but I consider myself someone who tries to do the best I can in everything I do. I’m trying to take the path less chosen, an uncommon lifestyle and story. I strive to “Be Great and Have Fun”, a saying I try to live by. I hope to be an inspiration to younger athletes and a respectable competitor. Being away from home and friends makes it hard to be a great friend and son/brother but I hope that those who know me understand the journey I am taking”. We wish you all the very best Brad, as you step into your rightful place at the Rio Olympics in a few day’s time.

Photo Credits: Brian Spurr

Athlete: Bio / Stats
Name & Surname	Bradley Tandy
Nick Name	Brad
Date of birth	May 2 1991
Place of birth	Durban
Current City	Tucson, Arizona. U.S.A
Height	6.3
Weight	195 lb
Shoe Size	12
Club	Seals
Coach’s Name	Rick De Mont (U.S), Wayne Ridden (S.A)
Out of Country events/ meets (most recent)	U.S nationals, Texas Invite
Favorite City	Durban
Favorite Song/ type of music	House/Dubstep Tristam & Braken – Flight
Favorite Movie	Star Wars
Tertiary Inst Name/ Year	University of Arizona
Tertiary degree/ diploma	MIS (Management Information Systems)
Twitter and Instagram	BradTandy02 (twitter) Bradtandy (instagram)

INTERVIEW:

Q: You have just realized a life long dream to qualify for the Rio Olympics. Wow and well done. What is on your heart and mind right now concerning this qualification?

Once I had qualified I was overwhelmed with joy, mostly relief. I knew I could do it, it was just a matter of performing on the day and once I did I could relax and enjoy what I love to do. Now I stay focused on training leading up to the Games.

Q: You have just put a little KZN “dorpie” called Ladysmith on the world map 🙂 – how was the reaction / reception of your hometown after you qualified?

Haha, I hope I did. I wasn’t home for long after trials, but I have had unbelievable support through messages and over social media over the past weeks. Old friends and even people I’ve never met sent out their congratulations.

Q: How was your swimming performances at round about 13/ early teens? What was your regime like at that age?

I was a big fish in a small pond. I won most of my events in the KZN region, Northern Natal and school. Once I moved up into the higher competition, S.A nationals, I was not a name people knew. I was not a full time swimmer at all, I played a multiple of other sports, only training swimming 4 months of the year, 4-5 times a week.

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

I know that hard work pays off; trusting in the Lord will better you with choices and guidance. If you keep doing what you need too, and stray from distractions and people that bring negativity, you will go further than most. I try to surround myself with positivity and challenge. I use the same concept of being better in training every day, in life as well.

Q: I believe you also dance quite well 🙂

Haha! Well when I was young I saw a Ladysmith high school concert and there were break-dancers, I was quite impressed. Started to practice on my own and began to enjoy dancing. Apparently some of my friends, even those who were trained dancers thought I was good. So I began practicing more and I started to enjoy it more and more. It has a similar feeling to swimming, a flow almost; a predetermined movement that connects you to something (water or music).

Q: What is your personal favourite motivational quote?

“Be Great, Have Fun”.

“A year from now you may wish you had started today”.

Q: Are you going to get an Olympic Tatoo 🙂

Yes, I said if I ever get a tattoo it would be the rings. Now to figure out where!

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

Achieving purpose and achieving happiness.

Q: What’s your WHY ?

My WHY, is WHY not me? You see so many different people around the world achieving greatness and becoming something bigger than them, especially in sport. I say why not me; why can’t I be someone like that, why can’t I achieve greatness or become someone others look up too. I do what I do because I believe I can, because I want something more out of life.

I would like to show our country and youth, in sport or whatever else, that we can be as great as we want. There is no hindrance on our ability because of where we are from or what we have. There have been idols to this country far beyond what I could ever achieve, and that is just more proof that we have what it takes to make a mark on the world.

Photo Credits: Brian Spurr

Q: Favourite meal?

Oooo, Sushi. Steak is great too.

Thank you so much for taking this interview. We would like to wish you all the best for your journey ahead. We look forward to following you as you go from strength to strength. Blessings!

Photo Credits: Brian Spurr

Brian was at the Olympic Trials 2016 for the entire duration of the event and you can thus order any of your most up close and precious captured memories from him.

Here are his contact details:

Facebook: Here

Cell: 082 553 2029

E:mail: brian.spurr@gmail.com

You may then contact Brian via e-mail to place your order giving your name and other details. You can also go over to Flickr and check out what he has loaded.

Flicker Links for you to copy and paste into your web browser to see sample photos

MEDALS – https://www.flickr.com/photos/139878654@N05/sets/72157667100483252/

GENERAL SWIMMING – https://www.flickr.com/gp/139878654@N05/B3i3P6

Home Interviews Olympics 2016 Rio Sports Swimming

Catching up with our Olympians: Christopher Reid

July 15, 2016 Published by: Cresi Heslop

Christopher Reid has proved himself to be a great swimming champion and new Olympian. This gentle giant speaks with such humility, deep gratefulness and much love and respect for all on his life journey so far. He has truly crept into the hearts of many in our nation, who will be urging him on, at the world’s largest sporting arena in Rio come this August.

This young man has through many youth years of dedication, hard work and persistence risen all the way to the top, despite many challenges in his young life. He qualified at the SA Olympic trials with such a blast when his broke the Gerhard Zanderg 100m national backstroke record and rose to 5^th in world rankings. But all of this was not even on his mind on that historic day – giving his EVERYTHING was the only thing that mattered.

Christopher says “I am a gentle giant who is hard working, determined, resilient and passionate. If I was to become successful one day, I would want to show humility even though I am successful as I have come from humble beginnings. I would also want to be open minded and accept criticism from others”.

Christopher, our nation is behind you as you do your final preparations for Rio and we cannot wait to see you victorious in Rio.

Photo Credits – Heslop Sports

Athlete: Bio / Stats
Name & Surname	Christopher Reid
Nick Name	Creid
Date of birth	10 January 1996
Place of birth	Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Current City	Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
Height	199cm
Weight	215lbs or 98kg’s
Shoe Size	13
Club	University of Alabama (USA) and Aquabear Swimming Club (South African Club)
Coach’s Name	Will Leonhart
Favorite City	Nanjing, China
Favorite Song/ type of music	I am a big rap fan, with artist like Lil Wayne, Drake, DMX, Jay Z and Dr Dre I mostly listen to.
Favorite Movie	We are Marshall
Tertiary Inst Name/ Year	University of Alabama/ 2019
Tertiary degree/ diploma	Finance and economics
Twitter and Instagram names, facebook name	Twitter: @Chris_PReid Instagram: @Christopher_preid
Parents Names, siblings	Mother: Ronel Reid Father: Darryl Reid Sister: Rayne Reid Sister: Hannah Reid

Photo Credits – Brian Spurr Photography

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?

The first feeling that came to mind the moment I qualified for the Olympics was relief. My expectations had been satisfied, my promise has been fulfilled and I no longer had to ask myself, ‘What if?”. Leading up into the Olympic trials, I had spent 15 months of training I had never done before. I had done a complete 180-degree swing from the type of training I did in South Africa to what I now do in the States. So for anyone who goes through an experience like that, there would be a lot of doubt in one’s mind as to what can happen. So for me, I would have to say I the happiest and most relaxed I have ever been in my life.

Q: This will be your maiden and a very special Olympics, especially because your late father wanted it so much for you. Do you want to share little on this (your dad and your swimming)?

Well, when I initially started off swimming, I was just swimming because it was really fun for me and I loved the feel of the water. When I was younger, I showed a lot of promise in the pool whenever I would race and my father took to that. He would spend hours searching the web, finding ways for me to improve. This would range from finding different drills I could do to improve my stroke to analyzing race strategies that I could apply to my races. Now, I would like to point out that my father never forced me to do anything. Many people would make comments saying my father was pushing me too hard and putting a lot of pressure on me to perform. This was never the case. Both my parents never acted in such a manner and always allowed me to make my own decisions when it came to swimming. So my father was basically my full time coach. We would always discuss my training and my improvements with each other and would analyze my swim meets once I had completed them to learn what I can improve on. As I started making a name in the South African swimming community, my father was making his own name. He was known by nearly everybody. He loved talking to everyone and made friends with the whole community. My father was my greatest fan and is missed not only by my family and I, but the whole swimming community.

Q: What did it feel like when you smashed Gerhard Zandberg’s record in the morning?

To be honest, I was not even going for his record. My goal coming into the swim meet was to do my absolute best I could do. If I was to qualify for the Olympics games, break records and rank highly in the world, those would all be bonuses. So once I had completed the race and got out to pool, someone told me I had broken the record, I was just filled with even more joy and emotion. Gerhard was always a role model for me growing up. So having broken his record and have Gerhard come and congratulate me personally just added even more emotion to the occasion.

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?

When I was 13 years old, I was fortunate enough to have talent on my side. I was struggling with numerous injuries (Shoulders and lower back), which affected my training. I was still able to compete at my age group nationals and be somewhat successful, but I had to work extremely hard and be dedicated at that age to still achieve my usual results. I was able to overcome my injuries a year later, but my weekly regime would consist out of double swim practices, Monday through Friday with a Saturday morning session and for an hour every night before bed, I did my injury prevent exercises to either prevent future injuries or to help me overcome my current injuries. My attitude at that age was to pretty much outwork all my competitors.

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

I am extremely passionate about family. Having gone through what I have with my family, all I can say is that I love my family and cannot replace them. That goes for my true friends who I consider family as well.

Q: What is your personal favorite motivational quote?

“I choose to fight back! I choose to rise, not fall. I choose to live, not die…” (It’s from the movie, “Any Given Sunday”)

Photo Credits Heslop Sports

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

Achieving an incredible feat and still remain the same person you were before achieving that feat.

Q: What’s your WHY?

I want to be the best. When the day comes when I stop swimming, I want to look back and say that I was the best there was then. Why do I do it? Because I have an extremely love for water and I am extremely passionate in whatever I do. My Passion breeds determination. My determination breeds resiliency and my resiliency enables me to achieve.

Q: One thing about you that the world does not know 🙂

I enjoy watching chick flicks with my mom

Q: Favorite meal?

Deep fried crumbed chicken pieces with crispy fries, bourbon barbeque sauce and a sweet tea!

Q: Anything else you would like to share?

I just want to express my gratefulness and thank everyone who has been part of my journey. From my family, friends, coaches, teammates and supporters, I thank you for continuously being there for me when I need you. Also I am incredibly blessed to receive so much support from the South African swimming community, Port Elizabeth swimming community, Grey High School, Pearson High school and the University of Alabama. If it was not for any of these people, I would not be where I am today. Thank you!

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!

Home Olympics 2016 Rio Proudly South African Sports Swimming

Report Back Alani Ferreira – 2016 Caixa Loterias

July 13, 2016 Published by: Cresi Heslop

It was wonderful for Alani to swim in the actual Olympic pool in Rio and experience the wonderful pool, vibe and Brazilians as a host nation. She shares some valuable information on what is going on in Rio currently. And very important information of Zika and preventative measures. Thanks so much for sharing Alani.

Meet / Championships Report Back
Name & Surname	Alani Ferreira
Name of Meet	2016 Caixa Loterias swimming open championships
Date of Meet	22-24 April
City and Country	Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Names of various Events participated in?	100m Breaststroke, 100m Backstroke, 100m Butterfly, 400m Freestyle, 200m IM
Highlights of the event?	Getting to swim in an Olympic pool and being able to gain experience and knowledge on how the Games will potentially be run considering call rooms and so forth.
Lessons learned from the event?	When you are tired, always do a nice easy swim. You are guaranteed to feel better afterwards Take each race as it comes and focus on that race specifically ,not on the races that still have to come for the rest of the day. Swim every race like it could potentially be your last. You never know what may come out of those few seconds.
*What was your experience in general of Rio as an Olympic City, / the Brazilians, who will have the world’s eyes on them in a few days!*	Rio was definitely something different for me because I am not an experienced traveler but it definitely is a beautiful city despite all the construction work taking place. The fact that there is still so much potential for the city definitely brings hope. The pool itself was one of the best I have ever swum in. The blocks and backstroke block start equipment was superb and the pool in general was definitely of a high standard. The actual facility still has work to be done but it was not yet complete when I was there so it was expected, but I believe when it is complete the stadium will be an area of massive atmosphere and a perfect space for the Games to be held. I am not very experienced in Olympic pools but the pool itself was definitely the best I have swam in.
Tips for South African to be Zika aware / ready if they are going?	You can never have too much Tabard mosquito repellent cream on. If you just use creams too prevent mosquito bites you should be fine. I myself dint see many but as long as you are diligent with applying your cream on you should be perfectly safe.
*Any travelling tips for people travelling to Rio for the Olympics?*	LEARN BASIC PORTUGUESE! There is nothing worse than not knowing what food you just ordered…
What/ who / motivated you throughout the meet / champs?	Seeing my team mates do well and support from Karren Hugo

Home Olympics 2016 Rio Proudly South African Sports Swimming

Catching up with our Olympians: Alani Ferreira

July 8, 2016 Published by: Cresi Heslop

Alani Ferreira, teenage champion and matric student has just recently made waves when she qualified for the Rio Paralympics in not only one event but 4! She is a young athlete with such joie de vivre and yet with such a strong and deep seated determination to make a success of all that she touches no matter what it will cost. She is also a brilliant talented music composer and determined to graduate as Class of 2016 for her Matric, despite her overpowering Olympic preparation commitments. She has a heart for people wanting to give back to community. She says about herself “I would like to be considered as a fun, funny and bubbly person who can be trusted. I would like to be an inspiration one day that small setbacks can be overcome as long as you believe and try your best”.

Athlete: Bio / Stats
Name & Surname	Alani Ferreira
Nick Name	Lani
Date of birth	19 July 1998
Place of birth	Pretoria
Current City	Pietermaritzburg
Height	167cm
Weight	63kg
Shoe Size	7
Club	Seals swimming club
Coach’s Name	Wayne Riddin
Out of Country events	Jimi flowers classic(2015),
*Favorite City*	Anywhere with a beach
Favorite Song/ type of music	I like all types of music as long as they have some meaning to me
Favorite Movie	I don’t really watch movies but I love the series Friends
Tertiary Inst Name/ Year	Epworth High School, Matric
Sponsors	None at the moment
Instagram	Instagram: Alani.ferreira
Community projects involved in	Epworth outreach opportunities
Parents Names, siblings	Danie and Marina Ferreira One brother: Daniel Dog: Steffi

INTERVIEW:

Q: Firstly congrats on qualifying for Rio Olympics with such a blast wow, 4 A qualifying times! . What is on your heart and mind right now concerning this qualification?

It actually still hasn’t hit me yet. The first one was a wow with my 200m IM but if somebody told me that I was going to swim 4 A qualifying times, I would’ve simply laughed at them.

It definitely has motivated me because knowing that I could do those times on the small amount of training I did because of my shoulder injury gives me hope and determination to do even better.

Q: You are one of SA’s top youth athletes, 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 a little tot about 14 years ago and it wasn’t my favorite thing to say the least. I swam able bodies until I was about 10 years old and then dropped it for hockey and tennis.A few weeks after I stopped I had to swim a relay because one of the other girls got injured so Wayne gave me a suit to use for the race. I swam the race and later that week I took the suit back to him but he told me to keep it. I told him no, because I’m not going to use it again. He said, “Are you sure you are not going to swim again?”, and I very determinedly said yes. After I was diagnosed when I was 12 I got to told to start swimming so I thought I would give it a try again. I wasn’t very open to disabled swimming simply because it wasn’t something I wasn’t use to and I didn’t regard myself as disabled. I did my first gala as disabled at SA Games in Limpopo and had my first drug testing experience because I won 8 gold medals. That was when it all really started for me. From then I’ve just been training when I can get to the pool.

Q: Why do you have such deep seated respect for your coach?

There were times when I thought what in the world is he saying…and how am I meant to drop 6 seconds in one week. But ever y time what he has said to me has happened, so I have no reason not to trust him. He got me where I am today and was a swimmer himself so he knows exactly what we go through and knows where our weaknesses are. He doesn’t do his coaching for himself, but for the swimmers who he wants to help that is why I have so much respect for him.

Q: What happens to school this year with such a hectic swimming schedule and possible Olympic trip pending?

School has not been easy for me for the past 6 months but I am determined to finish my matric this year. I started as the class of 2016 and that is what I will be. I will just have to make many, MANY sacrifices but it will all be worth it in the end

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

I’ve been exposed to faith from a very young age and still remember being a little ‘kabouter’ at my ‘Sondag skool’ class. It has always made an impact on me and it has gotten me though many hard times. My favorite thing to do when I felt lost is to go to a worship rally and just be around people who are seeking to be on the same journey as you.

Q: What do you do to relax?

I either do exercise to reduce stress or get rid of my extra frustrations so I will often just say ‘Im going for a jog’ or I would sit behind the piano and just compose pieces and play for ages.

Q: What is your personal favourite motivational quote?

‘It’s now or never’. This quote was in my head before every race I swam at SA national Olympic trials this year.

Q: You have been diagnosed with an eye disease, do you want to share a little?

I was born with a genetic mutation, Stargardt macular dystrophy, which causes me to gradually lose my central vision and eventually my colour vision too. I only got diagnosed at the age of 12 when it started effecting my tennis and piano because my teachers realized there was something wrong. From 2015 to 2016 my sight has gone backwards a lot but I cannot remember how I use to see when I had ‘perfect vision’ so I do not really know what I am meant to be seeing like. The only big problem I find is seeing people’s faces.

Q: What is your definition of greatness?

For me it is perfection. I am a perfectionist so I strive for perfection in everything I do but everyone has their own definition of perfect so I feel it is applicable to anyone who wants to strive to be the perfect version of themself.

Q: What’s your WHY ?

I have always asked myself why do we go back to training every single day if we know it is going to hurt and make us tired. It is actually quite simple. Because I love what I do and pushing myself to the absolute max. My favorite part of swimming is without a doubt the rush and the focus you get when you are standing behind that block, it is just you and the water and you have a chance because nothing is guaranteed. That is why I swim.

I would like to be an example to the younger swimmers and to help guide them to eventually reach the top. When I was younger I had people help and guide me so I wish to do the same so that instead of stressing before a race they can focus, get in the right mindset and go race.

I would like to show them that if you believe you can achieve because it is 80% mind, 20% body.

Q: One thing about you that the world does not know J

I compose my own piano pieces and love to play jazz saxophone

Q: Anything else you would like to share?

I have learnt that if you want to be successful sportswoman you are going to have to make sacrifices. I gave up my Matric dance to go and get my classifications done in Rio but I am sure it will be worth it in the end.

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!

Home Swimming

Report Back: Martin Binedell – Olympic Trials 2016

June 30, 2016 Published by: Cresi Heslop

Martin Binedell shares his experiences at SA Olympic Trials 2016. I love his relentless fire and passion for the sport of swimming despite many challenges. Go for it with all your heart Martin!

Q: You made such a wonderful statement recently, you said “Although I didn’t qualify for this year’s Olympics, I can say that I am hungrier than ever before, more determined than ever before and nothing, no one will change that”. What causes this fire and determination burning within you?

ANSWER: Obviously nationals wasn’t what I hoped for, I felt like I let a lot of people, most notably myself down but I always believe everything happens for a reason and when taking into account my untimely injury a couple months prior to the trials, I have a lot to be thankful for. I’m still young (20) 2020 was always the end goal as it still is. As to what drives me, I’ve never wanted anything more than to represent my country at the Olympic games, when I’m swimming, when I’m driving, even when I’m sleeping I visualise swimming at the Olympic games.

Q: You did brilliantly at SA Nationals / Olympic Trials 2016, the with many podium positions, congrats! It was still one of the toughest, and most important sporting events for a swimmer to attend. Would you like to share what is on your heart and mind and how you experienced it?

ANSWER: Nationals was a great experience, all credit to the organisers on setting the stage for such an event. I enjoyed the challenge and felt up to it, alot of swimmers drowned in the occasion and let nerves get the better of them but all in all it was a fitting meet for an Olympic qualifying event.

Q: What was your biggest challenge leading up to the Olympic Trials (if any), and how did you manage that challenge?

ANSWER: As I said, my injury was a huge setback, a freak accident in the gym caused me to fracture the radial head in my elbow, an injury usually followed by an operation and 3 months out the water, meaning I’d miss trials all together but with a lot of therapy and the added bonus of not having to do the op, we turned 3 months into a month

Q: What was your state of mind leading up to it?

ANSWER: Leading up to trials I was very focused, not on the racing to come but in my preparations. I knew nerves would get the better of me if I over thought it, so I focused all my thoughts on what needed to be done in the lead up. Visualisation prior helped me deal with pre-race nerves and my thoughts were only on the controllables, my technique, strategy and nothing else.

Q: Why do you have such deep seated respect for your coach/es and support system along your journey?

ANSWER: Without the support of my family and friends, swimming would be an even more lonely sport. I’m very grateful for their continual interest and sometimes even criticism. That’s when my coaches come In. I’ve been fortunate to have worked with some great coaches, each one teaching me something new. For that I am very grateful

Q: Lessons learned/ notes to self so far on your swimming journey in general?

ANSWER: so far I’ve been taught some very tough lessons and each one has made me stronger than I was before, the lesson of staying positive and believing that everything happens for a reason has helped me overcome dark time and seemingly hopeless situations.

Q: You know full well how years fly by, and that is never too early to start preparations. What is in the immediate pipeline for your swimming / academic career?

ANSWER: First thing was to take a long needed break from swimming and spend time with friends and family but more importantly to reassess my goals and to step back and look at where I went wrong this past cycle, to plan my next 4 years and to prepare myself for what was needed. Academically I’m keen on finishing my Marketing Degree and to further my knowledge in the field.

Q: Anything else you would like to share?

ANSWER: Just to the younger swimmers looking to qualify for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Its not once every 4 years, Its everyday for 4 years. Olympic cycles are shorter than you think, before you know it, you’re standing behind the blocks asking yourself if you did enough since 2016s trials.

Big thanks to Heslop Sports for all the support and for this opportunity

Further Reading on Martin: http://heslopsports.co.za/wp/martin-binedell/

Photo Credits: Brian Spurr

Brian was at the Olympic Trials 2016 for the entire duration of the event and you can thus order any of your most up close and precious captured memories from him.

Here are his contact details:

Facebook: Here

Cell: 082 553 2029

E:mail: brian.spurr@gmail.com

You may then contact Brian via e-mail to place your order giving your name and other details. You can also go over to Flickr and check out what he has loaded.

Flicker Links for you to copy and paste into your web browser to see sample photos

MEDALS – https://www.flickr.com/photos/139878654@N05/sets/72157667100483252/

GENERAL SWIMMING – https://www.flickr.com/gp/139878654@N05/B3i3P6

Champs Report Back Home Sports Swimming

Report Back – Adri Visser – Olympic Trials

June 23, 2016 Published by: Cresi Heslop

Always inspired by this great athlete Adri Visser, for her wisdom, courage, ability to rise above the odds and faith in our King Jesus. Congratulations Adri on qualifying for Rio Olympics, holding thumbs for your selection on team.

Q: You did brilliantly at SA Nationals / Olympic Trials 2016, with many podium positions, congrats and qualifying for Rio! It was still one of the toughest, and most important sporting events for a swimmer to attend. Would you like to share what is on your heart and mind regarding that champs and how you experienced it?

Wow, this year’s SA Senior Nationals & Paralympic Trials was certainly one for the books that I will never forget; the vibe was really overwhelming and pushed us as swimmers to really go for it. Yes, it was a tough and very important one but in some way I knew in my heart that I would be able to swim my 50m S5 Butterfly MQS Qualifying time. On Day 1 I swam a MET 200m I.M SM5 time, a good sign for the weeks swimming remaining. The biggest blessing of it was that it was a personal best time in the 50m Butterfly of 51.62 with my previous Africa Record being 51.63. That morning I was so emotional and thankful reaching my goal. Getting a Gold in 100m Butterfly and Silver in the 50m Butterfly was really the cherry on the cake.

Q: What was your biggest challenge leading up to the Olympic Trials (if any), and how did you manage that challenge?

In the beginning I was concerned about my responsibilities as a honors student at the NWU Pukke, that I needed to prioritize everything so that nothing would fall behind or be neglected but quickly I found it not to be a problem at all as they were very accommodating and supportive in helping my dream to come true. We (my brilliant coach Marike and I) worked the swimming sessions around class time so both could be done with 2 swim sessions on some days. She has really been a pillar of strength for me in this time.

Q: What was your state of mind leading up to it?

I was very positive, believing that I had the ability to swim the time that I needed to qualify but must admit that I got stressed at a point where I just reached out to my friends, my friend Marco kept me grounded in my faith and supported me a 100% as Abie, Ben, Nannette and mom sent me encouragement when needed, they were all so amazing. My sponsors Die Turke was so supportive too, they make the journey possible. Marike made me strong by keeping me focused during warm ups & just being there for me. Mostly I knew that God’s will would be done and that He would give me the strength to be Great*

Q: Why do you have such deep seated respect for your coach/es, support system along your journey?

As many know the journey to reaching your goals is never easy or a walk in the park, it has its ups and downs. Truth be told.. a swimmer is only as great as what their coach is, all you need to do is swim your heart out, she will work on your strength, endurance, fitness, speed and perfect taper time when you fully trust and follow the programs to the best of your ability. But it’s so much more than that, it’s having each other’s backs and setting goals together and meeting each other more than half way, encouragement when tired and a pat on the shoulder when doing well. I’ve been swimming my best times ever and know that it would not have been possible without my coach Marike van Oort.

Q: What would your advice be to young teenage girls who are on this difficult and much challenged journey of swimming?

Don’t look at the difficulty or challenges of your journey, rather embrace your passion for your swimming, enjoy every moment during racing and training and most importantly is to stay humble when you reach the top. No swimmer is strong on their own so trust your coach and lean on your friends & family in all that you do.

Q: Lessons learned/ notes to self so far on your swimming journey in general?

Positivity is the key to success and it’s not about how many times you fall but rather how many times about how fast you stand up. Learn to except that there are things beyond your control and go the way God guides you to go.

Q: What is in the immediate pipeline for your swimming and academic careers?

I’m hoping to make the Rio 2016 Paralympic SA Team; I’m training really hard for it. Being able to represent SA at such a level as I did in Beijing will really be a highlight in my career, I’m hoping to swim some more personal best times there. Academically completing my honors degree next year and see where God takes me after that. Perhaps doing more Motivation Talks would be fantastic!!

Q: Anything else you would like to share?

Swimming isn’t all about a Gold medal or fast time, it’s about feeling so alive and free when swimming that time and getting that splits and ranking down, it’s there where you except who you are and you feel like you and the water become one. When trying your best and you don’t win that race, you’re a true champion when you congratulate your victor and being satisfied with who you are…

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.

Interviews Sports Swimming

Meet the Olympians: Farida Osman

June 18, 2016 Published by: Cresi Heslop

Excited to feature one of Africa’s finest daughters, Egyptian swimming champion, Farida Osman. She was a young Olympian at the age of 17 and now her sails are set for Rio Olympics. Nicknamed the Golden Fish, this young star and multiple record breaker is US born but proudly raised in Cairo, Egypt. She is currently studying at University of California, Berkeley and proudly part of Team Golden Bears.

She says “I am a hard worker and passionate young lady that happened to have little talent and would like to pursue my dream of having an Olympic medal for my country. I would like to share my experience with the young athletes back home to give them the hope and will to succeed by pursuing their dream”.

Athlete: Bio / Stats
Name & Surname	Farida Osman
Nick Name	Foufy
Date of birth	18 January 1995
Place of birth	Indiana USA
Current City	Berkeley California
Height	170
Weight	60
Shoe Size	39
Club	Cal Swimming & Diving
Coach’s Name	Teri Mckeever
Out of Country events/ meets (most recent)	Arena Pro swim series
Favorite City	Barcelona
Favorite Song/ type of music	Anything by Beyonce and Rihanna/Hiphop/R&B
Favorite Movie	White Chicks
Sponsors	none
Twitter and Instagram names, facebook name	Instagram: farida_osman Facebook: Farida Osman Twitter: FaridaOsman18
Parents Names, siblings	Dr. Hisham Osman Dr. Randa Elsalawy Ahmed Osman

INTERVIEW:

Q: You are headed for the Rio Olympics, your second Olympics and again a life long dream realized. You will proudly represent your country Egypt. Wow and well done! What is on your heart and mind right now concerning this qualification/ pending Olympics?

I qualified for the 2^nd Olympics (London 2012 and now Rio) in 2 events till now; 50 free and 100 fly. I am very happy that I will represent my country Egypt and will do all my best to make Egypt proud. I am staying in Berkeley alone the whole summer training here with my coach till Rio on 6^th of August. It gets hard to be away from my family and friends but I guess it’s worth the sacrifice.

Q: Girls fight a particular battle and have their own sets of challenges in the swimming arena. Would you like to share your thoughts on this?

As a swimmer girl here in California, there are absolutely no differences between boys and girls in terms of duties or limitations in the team. I train only with women in Berkeley as the men have another coach/program. I spend most of the day with my teammates, so they are my family here. Of course women always have their limitations in some days in the month, but I learned how to manage all my problems to avoid any hindrance in my training.

Q: What would your advice be to young athletes?

My advice to young athletes, not only girls, is to never give up on your dreams and to be committed and determined to it because it is definitely worth the journey. So if you want to succeed and achieve your goal, you have to work hard and accept that you have to be out of your comfort zone because it is not easy.

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

I always believed in myself since I started swimming at a very young age. My parents supported me and still are, all the way by encouraging me and by getting rid of all obstacles that may distract me or prevent me from reaching my goal. I got an athletic scholarship in one of the best schools in America in academics as well as swimming (UC Berkeley). It is very tough to live alone at the age of 18 and take care of many things in this young age (Meals, Laundry, finances, besides the new school, new training, new friends, new country …… ). After the first year, I was able to adapt to this new system and I definitely learned a lot from it. It not only made me a stronger swimmer but a stronger person as well. I am now tough, responsible and independent.

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

Besides swimming, I have a passion for listening to music, watching ‘Friends,’ and shopping with my friends.

Q: What is your personal favourite motivational quote?

My favorite quote is: “Never a failure always a lesson”.

Q: Your have an interesting journey, US born, brought up in Cairo Egypt and currently studying in the USA – tell me a little about that?

I was born in Indiana USA where my parents (Dentists) did their postgraduate studies. I grew up in Cairo Egypt till I was 18 years old. I studied in a French school (Lycee Francais du Caire) till the Brevet degree and then I moved to Cairo American College in the high school where I graduated in 2013 and I got a full scholarship at UC Berkeley. I was also accepted in many good US schools like Harvard with scholarship but I chose UC Berkeley because it was a great balance of academics and sports.

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

I think greatness in life is to follow your dream, work hard, fight and never give up till you reach your goal. Then pass your experience and success to others in an attempt to give back to your community.

Q: What’s your WHY ?

I already answered this above but I would like to be a great Female Ambassador to my country where I can inspire young female athletes to pursue their dreams and that there’s more to life than just getting your nails and hair done haha.

Q: One thing about you that the world does not know 🙂

I hate to admit it but I actually enjoy watching “Keeping up with the Kardashians” haha. I follow them on all social media. I know its lame but it is definitely entertaining

Q: Favourite meal?

Sushi

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!

Champs Report Back Home Sports Swimming

Report Back – Yuvish Premlall – Cana Zone 4 – Africa Championships 2016

June 17, 2016 Published by: Cresi Heslop

Brilliant and balanced is young swimmer Yuvish Premlall. A shout out to ANY company, institution of learning or high performance centre: Let us support our young athletes and help them shine and reach their full potential by offering them sponsporships and assistance of any nature from a young age. Respecting and celebrating their JOURNEY of hard work.

Further reading on this young man – http://heslopsports.co.za/wp/yuvish-premlall/

Meet / Championships Report Back
Name & Surname	Yuvish Premlall
Name of Meet	Cana Zone 4 – Africa Championships 2016
Date of Meet	20-23 April 2016
City and Country	Port Louis, Mauritius
Names of various Events participated in?	SA Level 3 Nationals, Regionals & S A Schools
Names of medals/ awards received for which events?	Bronze medal 200m fly 15-17 age group.
Highlights of the event?	That awesome feeling on the podium when your name is announced representing South Africa during the awards process. Interacting with Olympians from other African Countries.
Lessons learned from the event?	South Africa has a very strong and enthusiastic swimming base amongst the youth. The nerves we have at big events is also common amongst the Olympians, it’s how we learn to manage them that’s important.
General observations and vibe of the meet?	The meet was truly spectacular. Overall there was a buzz of positivity and motivation from my colleagues to new acquaintances. As the gala progressed we all became like one big family, this for me was very comforting especially being away from home.
What/ who / motivated you throughout the meet / champs?	My friends Fadhil and Nabil Saleh, Brady Samuels, Taahir Essof, Kurt Rautenbach, Ryan Chandler & Jacques Malan. The Olympians Igor Mogne, Mario and Pedro Pinotes shared valuable advice. Most importantly – the daily telephonic support I received from my family in South Africa.
Biggest challenge leading up to / at the meet? (if any)	I turned 15 the month before this gala. Having to race in the 15-6 age group for most events, in some cases 15-17 and even open-division. Most entrants were a good two years older than me. In the open division 800m free I swam against Olympians and still managed to finish 7^th overall. Swimming in the bigger age group was in some ways disheartening, (like not always receiving a medal), yet in more ways than one very inspirational.
Anything Else you want to mention	This international event has given me an open eye view of the bigger picture. I am now more confident than ever before and remain committed to my vision.

Further reading on this young man – http://heslopsports.co.za/wp/yuvish-premlall/

Yuvish Premlall Stats

Thanksgiving 2015

Home Interviews Namibian Swimming Sports Swimming

Fresh & Hungry: Phillip Seidler

June 10, 2016 Published by: Cresi Heslop

Meet Namibian wunderkind and record breaker and holder Phillip Seidler. He is determined, driven and motivated although he trains solo with his very special Coach Mom! Phillip’s light shines brightly in our African waters and we salute him for his hard work.

He says “The water is my playground. I would like to promote a clean sport and also create awareness how to look after our coastal environment. I want to set a good example to the youth that swimming goes together with discipline, a very hard sport to achieve glories, but with determination anything is possible. Swimming should also be more promoted in schools and teach our children water safety. Unfortunately we have a lot deaths with drowning here in Namibia. Awareness can save a lot of lives”.

Athlete: Bio / Stats
Name & Surname	Phillip Seidler
Nick Name	Flippy
Date of birth	23/03/1998
Place of birth	Windhoek in Namibia
Current City	Swakopmund
Height	1,83m
Weight	73kg
Shoe Size	10
Club	Dolphins Swimming Club
Coach’s Name	Nadja Seidler
Out of Country events	CANA 3/4 Maputo, Zone6 Bulawayo, Junior World Champs Singapore South Africa : SA Age Group Level1,2,3 SA National Aquatic Champs
Secondary Sports	Surfing
Favorite City	North Shore, Haleiwa Hawaii
Favorite Song/ type of music	Black Coast-trndsttr(Lucian Remix)
Favorite Movie	Bad Neighbours
School & Grade	Namib High School
Tertiary Inst Name/ Year	NA
Tertiary degree/ diploma	NA
Sponsors	No sponsors
Instagram & Facebook	Instagram: seidler_phillip Facebook: Phillip Seidler
Web site	NA
Community projects involved in	Nature conservation – school related
Parents Names, siblings	Parents: Helmut and Nadja Seidler brother: Daniel Seidler

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?

At the age of 5yrs I fractured my upper arm. My mother took me to the pool for physio. Then her friend June Owen-Smith (well- known coach of Namibia) took me under her supervision and made me swim my first gala with 6 yrs. I enjoyed the challenge and with June it was a great journey. She prepared me from an early age to improve my times and taking part in SA Age Group Level 1,2 and 3 galas in South Africa. Unfortunately June retired from swimming when I was 12, and then my mom became my coach. She helped me with all her passion for swimming to work myself up on the Namibian swim ladder, breaking several Namibian records such as 400m Free, 800m Free and 1500m Free. With hard work and determination I also took part in international meets such as Zone 4 Youth Games Mozambique, Zone 6 Youth Games Bulawayo, Zimbabwe (winning 2 individual bronze medals) and Junior World Swimming Championship Singapore 2015. In South Africa I enjoyed competing at Pretoria NTS swimming gala, Age Group Level 3 and SA National Aquatic Championships Durban 2015 &2016. With victories in all the long distance events, my mother introduced to me open water swimming (sea swim). Being as well a surfer I made sure nobody knows the ocean better than me and I was the overall Jetty Mile winner for the last three years (triple -crown). This year I started to swim the Midmar Mile 5km event and also qualified and took part in SA National Aquatic OWS in Grabouw. I had very good results and came home with silver medal in my age group and 7^th overall. I love the open water and love the distance, so I will take part in more OWS.

Q: You have just blasted it at the South African Nationals recently, wow, congratulations. How did you experience the meeting and the vibe at the meeting? Lessons learned.

For me it was the second time competing at SA Nationals. I was very well prepared and trained hard to achieve my personal goals. The youth medals and the senior bronze medal was for me a bonus, but my aim is always that I swim against my own time. Any new PB is for me an achievement. The vibe of the gala was great, especially watching the finals – the make or break for Rio 2016. I made a lot of friends and it was also great to see my friend Danie Marais, who I’ve met at the OWS events.

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

Taking part at the Junior World Swimming Championship Singapore 2015. Meeting swimmers from all over the world, different cultures and sharing the water was a big highlight. My biggest achievement was the OTB Jetty Mile and taking the triple- crown. This event is also very unpredictable, sometimes we have to swim in big swells or ice cold water. My latest personal achievement was breaking 6 Namibian records at SA Nationals in Durban in one gala.

Q: Why do you value and respect your coach so much?

My mother is my coach. I respect her, because she helped me to achieve my targets. I also have to respect her, because she always makes it very clear, that she rather would be playing tennis, instead of coaching me at the pool. Don’t have much of a choice?!?

Q: How do you manage to fit in both sports and academics / work into your schedule?

Time Management, discipline and routine are my daily assets.

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

Surfing big waves is my hobby.

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

I am training all on my own. I don’t have any swimming mates who can keep up with my level. We experience a lot of problems with our local swimming pool. The water is not always heated, water quality very poor and our practice ground cannot always be taken for granted. Sometimes we have to make use of the ocean for training.

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

Situations, which I cannot manage or handle myself, I will leave in God’s hands. It feels good to know I am not alone.

Q: Favorite Bible verse?

I will walk by faith, even I cannot see – 2 Corinthians S: 7

Q: What do you do to relax?

Surfing, listening to music and watching you-tube

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

The water is my playground. I would like to promote a clean sport and also create awareness how to look after our coastal environment. I want to set a good example to the youth that swimming goes together with discipline, a very hard sport to achieve glories, but with determination anything is possible. Swimming should also be more promoted in schools and teach our children water safety. Unfortunately we have a lot deaths with drowning here in Namibia. Awareness can save a lot of lives.

Q: What is your personal favorite motivational quote?

My mother always says: “if you don’t try, you don’t know” and the last one before the race “Fast waters”

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

My biggest challenge is to start competing in 10km OWS races. To achieve my goal, I will train very hard, long mileage and keep disciplined.

Q: Anything else you would like to share?

I would like to say a big thank you to all people in Namibia, who have supported and assisted me during my journey of swimming. I know that I have a great team behind me and I am always so happy if I come home to share my victories. Proud to be Namibian.

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!

Champs Report Back Home Sports Swimming

Report Back – Zane Waddell – Olympic Trials 2016

June 9, 2016 Published by: Cresi Heslop

Q: You made such a wonderful statement recently, you said “2020 is ours baby” ☺ What causes this fire and determination burning within you?

After competing at Nationals and seeing how quick Christopher Reid and Chad swam, inspired me to work hard for the next four years to absolutely smash 2020 Olympics.

Q: You did brilliantly at SA Nationals / Olympic trials the with many podium positions, congrats! It was still one of the toughest and most important sporting events for a swimmer to attend. Would you like to share what is on your heart and mind and how you experienced it?

It is definitely one of the most stressful meets any athlete can compete in on a national level. I think the best way I can say this is that I had to force myself to take it one step at a time.

Q: What was your biggest challenge leading up to these champs (if any)? and how did you manage that challenge?

My biggest challenge was to keep training hard in the last few weeks of tough training before taper time, and the only way I got through that was through the support of my coach, Simon Gray and my parents.

Q: What was your state of mind leading up to it?

I was unusually calm going into nationals but I got nervous when it got to race time, I’ll probably find a way to deal with that as I grow more mature.

Q: Why do you have such deep seated respect for your coach/es and support system along your journey?

Swimming at this level is a team sport, despite what people say. Your team consists of your coach, physio, parents and friends. You’ve got to treat this team the same way you would treat your rugby/hockey team. If you are willing to give your all for them, they’ll give their all for you.

Q: Lessons learned/ notes to self so far on your swimming journey in general?

Stay strong and take it one day at a time, with the bigger picture in the foreground.

Q: I have a beautiful image of you on your knees next to your block at Olympic trials. Your comments on this?

I wasn’t intending on that moment getting caught but I think is a beautiful picture and I love what it represents. You find power when you are standing, but courage on your knees.

Q: You are off to the US soon, how is your excitement levels?

☺ I am looking forward to start training in the US with the University Of Alabama. My excitement is through the roof!!

Q: Anything else you would like to share?

God Bless and Roll Tide!

Photo Credits – Heslop Sports

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