Jade Simons is one of SA’s girl stars in swimming. Behind that beautiful smile is a very solid and strong young lady. She is rooted in her faith in Christ in whom she finds her strength. She has not only represented our beautiful nation internationally, but has also done so with great success. About herself she says “I am a 16 year old swimmer, currently in grade 10. My character is positive, motivated, sociable, headstrong, caring and confident”.
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 always loved water since I was little – having long baths and playing in the swimming pool. My parents realized that I had to be watersafe and they enrolled me for swimming lessons at the age of two. Since then, I have fallen in love with the sport and have tried to be the best swimmer I can be!
Q: You have been proudly part of Team SA before representing our beautiful nation, where did you go what did that feel like?
I represented SA for the first time in 2015 at the Junior African Games in Cairo, Egypt. I enjoyed the experience and it exposed me to the international competitive swimming arena. I was excited and nervous because I did not know what to expect and it was an honour to represent SA.
Q: Who are you? Describe yourself as a person.
I am a 16 year old swimmer, currently in grade 10. My character is positive, motivated, sociable, headstrong, caring and confident.
Q: What is the highest accolade that you have achieved in Swimming and what is your greatest personal accomplishment?
My highest accolade in my swimming career is being chosen to represent South Africa. My greatest personal accomplishment is winning medals for South Africa in international swimming competitions.
Q: Would you like to share a little bit more about your faith journey and how it has affected your life / sports?
As a Christian I believe that God is always with me and guiding me through every race that I swim. I call on Him before each race and always give thanks to Him after each race. God has helped me through everything and I thank Him for giving me all of the opportunities in my life.
Q: In your opinion, what is the value of Education in a young person’s life?
Education is import because it gives us knowledge and knowledge is power. I believe that our country should educate children so that they can be empowered to become strong in independent people.
Q: So you swim well and are doing well in academics but name 1 thing that you suck at 🙂
I am not good at road running.
Q: What is your favourite meal and who must cook it?
My favourite meal is prawns and I love the way that my Godmother makes it.
Q: Beside your Swimming, what do you have a passion for?
I’m passionate about fairness and justice, especially the rights of children.
Q: What is your definition of success?
Success for me is getting back up when you fail and to try again. If I had a bad race I analyze it with my coach and focus on improving my techniques for my next event.
Q: What’s your WHY ? Why do you do what you do?
I do swimming because I love the competitiveness of the sport. I would like to be a role model for the youth to motivate them that any dreams and goals are within reach if you work hard and never give up.
Q: Anything else you would like to share?
It takes hard work and commitment to achieve your goals, but the success is worth the time, effort and sacrifice that you invest.
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!
