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Jacques Malan shares his thoughts on deep issues like success, his faith in Christ and his challenges. He has had many set backs and broken body parts in his young swimming career, but he just keeps going – this indeed is yielding wonderful results as he is constantly upping his game and going from strength to strength. He has also had the honour of representing our beautiful nation internationally, and found it to be such an enriching experience. He speaks with much respect about his Coach – Michelle Vlasakova. He is a young man full of gratefulness and has a certain joie de vivre and smile that captivates those around him.
He says “I am a very sociable person and see only the good in other people. I am easy going and do not stress too much. My family would describe me as a bit lazy sometimes :-). My goal is to be more focused this coming season”.
Athlete: Bio / Stats |
|
| Name& Surname | Jacques Malan |
| Nick Name | Jacques |
| Date of birth | 2002-03-04 |
| Place of birth | Pretoria |
| Current City | Centurion |
| Height | 1.74 |
| Weight | 70kg |
| Shoe Size | 10 |
| Club | Alcatraz |
| Coach’s Name | Michelle Vlasakova |
| Out of Country meets | CANA Zone 4 – Mauritius 2016
XIX Gala Golfinhos Sprint 2016 – Mozambique |
| Secondary Sports | Athletics – 100m, 200m & 400m |
| Favorite City | Italy – I would like to one day go there |
| Favorite Song | Alan Walker – sing me to sleep |
| Favorite Movie | Fast & Furious nr 7 |
| School & Grade | Hoërskool Eldoraigne – Grade 9 |
| Sponsors | Key360 & a subsidy from Arena |
| Instagram names | malan_jacques101 |
| Parents Names, siblings | Isabel – mom, Petrus – dad, Ruan – Brother |
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 have loved swimming since I was a baby. Up until 2014, I only participated in school galas. When I moved to Michelle at Alcatraz three years ago I started swimming full time. I had a bit of a setback when my first competitive season started in 2014. At school during PT, I broke two fingers on my left hand, which ended up with me needing surgery and getting pins in my fingers, which meant no swimming for 6 weeks. I started training again and was back in the water for two weeks when I broke my right wrist. Not wanting to miss any training we found a brace that was waterproof, even though I could not compete that year, it was possible for me to keep training and prepare for the 2015 swim season. Since then I have been training hard and I am happy with the way I am progressing through the rankings.
Q: You have been proudly part of Team SA before representing our beautiful nation, where did you go what did that feel like?
I went to CANA Zone IV in Mauritius in 2016 as part of the old level 2 team. It was very exciting and so much fun. Mixing and socializing with swimmers from other African countries and the lasting friendships I formed was one of the highlights.
Q: Who are you? Describe yourself as a person.
I am a very sociable person and see only the good in other people. I am easy going and do not stress too much. My family would describe me as a bit lazy sometimesJ. My goal is to be more focused this coming season.
Q: What is the highest accolade that you have achieved in Swimming and what is your greatest personal accomplishment?
Being chosen for the CANA team to Mauritius and the NTS Junior team to Mozambique. Qualifying for the NTS Senior team this year, and achieving qualifying times for NJSA levels. I also made the Gauteng School team in 2016 and 2017.
Q: Why do you have so much love and respect for your coach?
My coach, Michelle Vlasakova is a, no nonsense, hard working and dedicated coach. For a relative small club her swimmers representation at National and Provincial level is outstanding. She is a firm believer of building us up gradually and not to over train us in order to achieve short-term success.
Q: What is your favorite food? And who must cook it J?
Regina Pizza from Enzo’s J.
Q: So you swim well but name 1 thing that you suck at J
Art – My mom has to basically assist me with all my assignments. I think my teacher knows but keeps quiet in the hope that I drop the subject at the end of this year. Oh and golf, my seven year old brother is better than meJ.
Q: What is your personal favourite motivational quote?
“They never said it would be easy, they said it would be worth it”
Q: What is your favourite Bible / Scripture quote?
Philippians 4:13
I can do all this through him who gives me strength
Q: What is your definition of success in life?
To excel in what you love to do must be the ultimate reward. Always stay humble.
Q: What’s your WHY? Why do you do what you do?
It is very simple, I just love water and swimming. I swim for myself. My family support me all the way, but they do not put any pressure on me. Although it is every persons dream to achieve the highest level in their sport, it is not always possible. Just never give up on your dream. I would like to be remembered as somebody that got along with everyone no matter their background.
Q: Anything else you would like to share?
Discipline is doing what you know needs to be done even if you don’t want to do it.
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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