Heslop Sports

Mandela Day 2016

July 18, 2016 Published by: Cresi Heslop

This Mandela day, we reflecting with a grateful hearts and an overflowing cups ALL the wonderful people that God has placed in our lives.

Heslop Sports is a vibrant, Real-Time Sports Blog for Young Athletes. It has over the past few month become more that just another sports blog, but a movement that strives to uplift, encourage and motivate young athletes. We have a special passion for UP-AND-COMING YOUNG ATHLETES within the various sports disciplines.

Our Mandate:

Give a voice to young athletes.
Publish the stories, aspirations, plans, progress, footage, images, stats, CV’s etc of young athletes.
Provide a funding platform allowing athletes to do a shout out for financial and other support into their own and the wider sport and business community.
Gather and share motivational material for athletes.
Connect athletes to each other.
Promote and market young athletes.
Celebrate and honour athletes.
Encourage parents and coaches of young athletes to share their experiences in the sports arena.
Reveal the person behind the sport, believing in balanced and holistic living in our society. “Sport is what they do, not who they are”.
To raise the profile of young South African athletes and hence encourage Corporate South Africa to back them.

Ultimately to create a valuable hub of the above information that can be used by athletes, coaches, parents, schools, scouts, sponsors, teams, communities and anybody with a keen interest in top and up-and-coming young athletes. Let’s remember “not to despise the days of small beginnings”.

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

SASCOC ANNOUNCES FINAL TEAM SA 2016 OLYMPIC SQUAD

July 14, 2016 Published by: Cresi Heslop

SASCOC announced an additional 113 athletes to the Team South Africa squad that will carry the nation’s flag at the 2016 Olympic Games to be held from 5-‐21 August in Rio De Janeiro – Brazil.

The additional names come after the completion of the final qualifying deadlines in the various sporting codes, bringing the final number of competitors for Rio to 137. The initial 24 names were released on 25 May 2016.

Joining Team SA in Rio will be an exciting 39 athletes from the athletics code who have all met the set standards to compete at Olympic Games. Some athletes such as Caster Semenya, Wenda Nel, Wayde van Niekerk and Stephen Mokoka have also qualified for more than one event but will only concentrate on disciplines of their specialty.

In addition to the athletics list are athletes from other sports which include three team sports: Rugby sevens, the Banyana Banyana women’s football side and the Under-‐23 Men’s football team, badminton, equestrian, golf, judo, rowing and triathlon.

SASCOC President Gideon Sam congratulated the members of the squad: “You have all earned the ultimate honour of representing your country. We have every faith in you excelling at your various events. Attending the Olympics is the pinnacle of a sportsman’s dream. Go and showcase the rainbow nation to the best of your ability.”

Tubby Reddy, SASCOC CEO and Chef de Mission congratulated the final team: “Congratulations to all athletes who have had the honour to be selected as part of Team South Africa and compete in this prestigious sporting event.

‘We’re confident that the team is the creme de la creme of sporting talent, with most of them having represented the country in international sporting events previously. We therefore wish them well and as the Olympic body we will rally behind you all the way. Do the country proud and go well,” Reddy concluded.

Managing and coaching additions to the squad are also hugely experienced personnel who have occupied these positions previously in different sporting events.

An incentive programme has been designed to incentivise athletes to medal at the Olympic and

Paralympic Games.

All medalists at both Olympic and Paralympic Games will receive incentives as follows:

Individual medal winner:

Athlete

Coach

Gold:

R500 000

R400 000

R100 000

Silver:

Bronze:

R250 000

R100 000

R200 000

R 80 000

R 50 000

R 20 000

The incentive amount received will be split 80% to the athlete and 20% to the coach of that specific athlete. This principle was established with the understanding that the Coach plays an important role in coaching and mentoring the Athlete and hence the coach incentive of 20%.

Team events and Relay event winners:

In the case a medal is won by a team event or a relay team which counts as one medal, the incentive amount will also be as follows:

Athlete	Coach
Gold:	R500 000	R400 000	R100 000
Silver:	R250 000	R200 000	R 50 000
Bronze:	R100 000	R 80 000	R 20 000

80% of the incentive amount received will be paid to the athletes and must be equally split between the team’s or relay team’s athletes. And 20% of the incentive amount will be paid to the head coach of that specific sport code.

The full and final athletes in Team South Africa for the 2016 Olympics (includes the list that was announced in May 2016)

AQUATICS

Diving

Julia Vincent

Marathon Swim

Michelle Weber Chad Ho

Men

Chad Le Clos Jarred Crous

Dylan Bosch Calvyn Justus

Cameron Van der Burgh Sebastien Rousseau

Michael Meyer Christopher Reid

Matthew Meyer Myles Brown

Bradley Tandy Douglas Erasmus

Managers/Coaches

Shawn Adriaanse Graham Hill

Dean Price Cedric Finch

Igor Omeltchenko William Sherritt Alasdair Hatfield

ATHLETICS

Women Marathon

Irvette Van Zyl Christine Kalmer

LeboPhalula

Men Marathon

Lusapho April

Sibusiso Mzima Lungile Gongqa

Women

Carina Horn Alyssa Conley

Tsholofelo Thipe Justine Palframan

Caster Semenya Wenda Nel

Dominique Scott Lynique Prinsloo

Sunette Viljoen Anel Oosthuizen

Men

Akani Simbine Henricho Bruintjies

Tlotliso Leotlela Clarence Munyai

Anaso Jobodwana Wayde Van Niekerk

Jacob Rozani Rynhardt Van Rensburg

Elroy Gelant Stephen Mokoka

Antonio Alkana Lindsay Hanekom

Louis Van Zyl LeRoux Hamman

Ruswahl Samaai Luvo Manyonga

Stefan Brits Khotso Mokoena

Rocco Van Rooyen

Willem Coertzen Lebogang Shange

Wayne Snyman Marc Mundell

Managers/Coaches

Irma Reyneke, Paul Gorries, Terseus Liebenberg, Maryna van Niekerk, Pieter Lourens and James Moloi

BADMINTON

Men

Jacob Maliekal

Manager/Coach: Chris Dedman

CANOEING

Women Bridgitte Hartley Manager/Coach Craig Mustard

CYCLING

Women

An-‐Li Kachelhoffer Ashleigh Moolman-‐Pasio

Men

Daryl Impey Louis Meintjes

Kyle Dodd Alan Hatherly

James Reid

Manager/Coach/Mechanics

Brett Coates Jonnathan Chislett

Carl Pasio Douglas Ryder

JP Jacobs Gary Blem

EQUESTRIAN

Women

Tanya Seymour

Manager/Coach Groom

Ingeborg Sanne Kirsty Taylor

FOOTBALL

Women

Roxanne Barker

Andile Dlamini Bambanani Mbane

Amanda Dlamini Refiloe Jane Mamello Makhabane

Stephanie Malherbe Sanah Mollo

Linda MotlhaloNompumeleloNyandeni Jermaine Seoposenwe Janine Van Wyk

Managers/Coaches Barney Kujane

Desiree Ellis

Men

Jody February Tercious Malepe Maphosa Modiba Phumlani Ntshangase Ishmael Mngonyama Abbubaker Mobara

Noko Matlou

Robyn Moodaly

Octavia Nogwanya

LebohangRamalepe

LeandraSmeda

Nothando Vilakazi

Vera Pauw Francis Chansa

Tebogo Moerane Gift Motupa Deolin Mekoa Itumeleng Khune Rivaldo Coetzee Erick Mathoho

Shilene Margaret Booysen

Keagan Dolly Tyroane Sandows

Lebogang Mothiba Menzi Masuku

Tashreeq Morris Mothobi Mvala

Managers& Coaches

Levy Ramajoe Owen Da Gama

Thabo Senong Predikumar Bhaktawer Simone Conley

GOLF

Women

Paula Reto Ashleigh Simon

Men

Brandon Stone Jaco van Zyl

Golf Caddy

Chris Simmons Jason Reynolds

Deon Flowers David Buhai

Manager/Coach

Gary Player

GYMNASTICS

Men’s Artistic Gymnastics Manager/Coach

Ryan Patterson Jonathan Okada

JUDO

Men Manager/Coach

Zack Piontek Nikola Filipov

ROWING

Women

Kirsten McCann Kate Christowitz

Ursula Grobler Lee-‐Ann Persse

Men

James Thompson John Smith

Shaun Keeling Lawrence Brittain

Jake Green David Hunt

Vincent Breet Jonathan Smith

Manager/Coach

Roger Barrow Andrew Grant

Paul Jackson

RUGBY SEVENS

Men

Dylan Sage Philippus Snyman

Timothy Agaba Albertus Smith

Werner Kok Kyle Brown

Cheslin Kolbe Rosko Specman

Justin Geduld Cecil Afrika

Seabelo Senatla Juan De Jongh

Manager/ Coach

Ashley Evert Neil Powell

Renfred Dazel Alan Temple-‐Jones

SAILING

Men

Stefano Marcia Asenathi Jim

Roger Hudson

Manager/Coach Brevan Thompson

TRIATHLON

Women

Gillian Sanders Mari Rabie

Men

Richard Murray Henri Schoeman

Manager/Coach

Kate Roberts Lindsey Parry

MEDICAL TEAM

Chief Medical Officer: Dr Kevin Subban

Doctors: Danielle Lincoln; Paul Maphoto, Karen Schwabe Chief Physiotherapist: Grace Hughes

Physiotherapists: Hugh Everson, Ashleigh Hansen, Collin Hill, Avilarsh Lukhan, Given Motha, Hendrik Maree, Rannoa Ntseke, Eva Ramashala and Sandhya Silal

ISSUED BY SASCOC

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

Give Away Home Olympics 2016 Rio Sports

Give Away – Rio Olympics Supporter Gear Pack

July 11, 2016 Published by: Cresi Heslop

We are excited to be giving away a most stunning Rio Olympic Supporter Gear pack to 3 lucky winners. Enter the competition below. This is to create support and lobby around Team South Africa as we head into the world’s largest sporting event – Rio Olympics 2016. Let the games begin! Let the Olympic Motto be our brilliant guide on this journey of sport for our athletes and for our young athletes – Hendiatris – Citius, Altius, Fortius – Faster, Higher, Stronger.

Let the excitement start rising and let us show all our SA Olympians that we support and love them all the way. You can contact us for limited editions of these items that will be on sale via Heslop Sports.

In this pack to win:

T-Shirt of your size
His / Hers Olympic neclace
Olympic Friendship Bracelet Set
Proudly South African flag

To stand a chance to win this stunning and unique Supporter Gear Pack all you have to do is:

Follow Heslop Sports on ALL or any of our social media:

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/heslopsports
Twitter – https://twitter.com/heslopsports
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/heslopsports/
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCB2BLvzHnUv0K7Gu-W3BYVQ

Thank you kindly for your support – the competition has closed.

The winner will be announced on Facebook.

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”.

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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

Report Back: Carmen Le Roux – Olympic Trials 2016 Open Water

July 7, 2016 Published by: Cresi Heslop

This teenage girl, Carmen Le Roux, has literally and figuratively been through deep deep waters at the Open Water Olympic Trials 2016. Yet she comes out more determined, more resilient and mentally stronger than ever before. This is the victorious mindset of a true and honourable athlete – Carmen I salute you, and cannot wait to see what God has in store for your sporting and life journey ahead.

Meet / Championships Report Back
Name& Surname	Carmen Le Roux
Name of Meet	FINA Open Water Olympic Trials Marathon
Date of Meet	11 June 2016
City and Country	Setubal, Portugal
Names of various Events participated in?	Junior Open Water World Champs in Hungary Open Water World Champs in Kazan Russia Junior World Champs Swimming pool in Singapore Open Water Olympic Trials in Portugal
Highlights of the event?	The highlight of the event was to see my training partner Chad Ho qualify for Olympics. It was such an exciting race to watch!
Lessons learned from the event?	Wow, I have learnt so many lessons from this trip! Race strategy and planning is probably one of the most important things in open water. I encourage everyone to get more race experience as this is one of the things that teaches you how to swim in all kinds of conditions and also to learn all the strategies.
General observations and vibe of the meet / country?	The venue where it was held was beautiful , we swam in the ocean, it was a bit cold, but otherwise the conditions were quite good! It was amazing meeting the swimmers from the different countries! During this trip I have also realized how grateful we must be for the beautiful country we live in and what we have.
What/ who / motivated you throughout the meet / champs?	I have so many people to thank, because they are the ones that have motivated me and kept me positive throughout this meet. I couldn’t say thank you enough to each and everyone who has supported me throughout the meet and thank you also to Heslop Sports for all your motivating messages they really meant so much to me. I would like to give credit to my mental coach, Jannie Putter, who got me ready going into this meet and kept me motivated. Lastly, I would just like to say thank you to my family for their motivation without them I wouldn’t be where I am today, especially my dad for travelling with me and being there for me!
Biggest challenge leading up to the meet? (if any)	There wasn’t really challenges leading up to the meet, I suppose it was just to keep training hard no matter how sore and tired my body was.
Biggest challenge during the meet?	My biggest challenge during the meet was getting my head back into the right place after my swim didn’t go as well as I was hoping for, but that wasn’t a big challenge either because I know God is by my side and everything happens for a reason. HE is in control!
What is happening next for you in sport?	My next big competition coming up is Junior open water world Champs in Netherlands this July where I will be doing 10km again, I am really looking forward to this!!
Anything Else you want to mention?	“ Success is a journey, not a destination. “

Hockey Home Interviews Sports

Fresh & Hungry: Carli Pretorius

July 6, 2016 Published by: Cresi Heslop

Meet brilliant young hockey player, Carli Pretorius, a learner at Menlopark High School. As team captain she has a deep wisdom and understanding for the game and leads with a lot of fervor and passion. Carli says “I love being outdoors and will spend every possible second on the hockey field. Although I practice long hours, my family and friends stay my number one priority. I am a very enthusiastic person and my friends never know where all the energy comes from. I believe that passion is the key to success and strive to be so passionate that my dreams become a reality”.

Athlete: Bio / Stats
Name& Surname	Carli Pretorius
Nick Name	Calli
Date of birth	1998-01-05
Place of birth	Pretoria
Current City	Pretoria
Height	1.68m
Weight	63kg
Shoe Size	6
Club	Die Hoerskool Menlopark and Old Albanians
Coach’s Name	Warren Sangster and Martyn van Zyl
Secondary Sports	Athletics
Favorite City	Cape Town
Favorite Song/ type of music	I like all sorts of music but mostly uplifting music. I’m a big music lover.
Favorite Movie	The Other Women
School & Grade	Die Hoerskool Menlopark Grade 12
Sponsors	TK Hockey
Instagram Facebook name	Instagram =CARLIPRETORIUS Facebook= Carli Pretorius
Parents Names, siblings	Andries Pretorius , Elna Pretorius and my sister Andrea Pretorius

INTERVIEW:

Q: You are passionate and doing so well in your Hockey, tell me a little bit about how you started in Hockey , and your journey up to now?

I started playing Hockey when I was 7 years old and I loved it ever since.

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

Being part of the U/17 South-African Squad is my highest accolade. My greatest personal accomplishment is being selected for the Northern-Gauteng A -team for the 8^th year in a row.

Q: Why do you have so much respect for your coach/es?

I believe that being a coach is one of the most difficult jobs to do. To get 16 different personalities to have one common vision and strive for one goal is next to impossible. I admire the way my coaches always motivate the team, even in the most difficult situations.

Q: What do you do to relax?

I like to eat sushi with friends or spend time with my family.

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

I have a BIG phobia for worms

Q: What was the best advice you were ever given?

My father once told me that being able to play hockey is merely an honour and not a right. Ever since, I play with a different mindset. I play with more passion and enthusiasm that is needed to succeed.

Q: What is your personal favourite motivational quote?

“I will not be stopped.”

Q: Favourite bible Verse?

Proverbs 16 : “To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue.”

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

Time management is the ultimate key to a balanced life. I always keep my priorities in mind when managing my time as it is not always possible to do everything.

Q: What is your leadership style, being captain?

There is a famous quote that reads,” If your actions inspire others to dream more, do more and achieve more, then you are a leader.” I live by this! I believe that the best leaders of all time inspire others through their actions and not necessarily their words.

Q: What’s your WHY ?

Firstly I love to play hockey for the love of the game. I also enjoy being part of a team and experiencing every challenge as a team. All the good achievements as well as the hard fitness sessions. There’s a quote I like – it says “ do it with passion or not at all ” . I strive to be so passionate about the game that other players will also be inspired to give their best.

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

Thank you !!

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.

Home Proudly South African Sports

Up Close with Sports Anchor – Cindy Poluta

July 1, 2016 Published by: Cresi Heslop

Cindy Poluta, sports anchor par excellence, brilliant and loving mom, wife, role model and inspiration to so many in SA and globally shares her wonderful journey with us. Is it not amazing how some people can leave a sparkle wherever they go, or whatever they touch – this is Cindy. She is proof yet again that when you passionately love what you do – it exudes out into all spheres of life. Thank you Cindy for your legacy of goodness for now and for those coming after you, you have brilliantly paved the way for women in sport anchoring. You posted this on your Instagram recently – “God does not call the qualified, He qualifies the called”. Spot on!

Asked to share a challenge to our youth she says – “Not so much a challenge. Just some advice: work hard. Set yourself goals, and then work towards them. When I was in my 20’s all my friends were going out all weekend and I would be working early mornings in radio, or long hours in TV. Don’t get me wrong I definitely partied but at the same time I just kept thinking “short term sacrifice for a long term goal” – and it paid off. Hard work never killed anyone just always remember “short term sacrifice for a long term goal”.

Q: You are passionate and doing brilliantly as our Sports Anchor – the beautiful voice we all wake up to in the morning 🙂, tell me a little bit about how you started in sports presenting and your journey up to now?

My story really is one of “right place, at the right time”. I started at 702 fresh out of school, as a student answering the calls on the traffic desk. From there, I got a break on air reading traffic on 947’s Rude Awakening with Jeremy Mansfield and Sam Cowen, which developed into weekend sports anchoring. I have two older brothers who love sport, and so it was just a way of life for me. After about a year or so, I went for an audition at SuperSport, which turned into a 5 year career in tv presenting. But radio is my passion. I am currently the morning sports anchor on both Talk Radio 702 and 947, two of Joburg’s biggest breakfast shows. I am also sports editor for EWN Sport. When I left school I had NO idea what I wanted to do with my life – and so my student job has become my career.

Q: You are hectic with being a mom and sports anchor, how do you manage to balance all aspects of your life?

To be honest, I really don’t know. I feel there is no balance. It’s a case of everything and everyone has to “give and take”. So at some stages work is not too busy and I manage to focus on home life and vice versa. In South Africa we really are fortunate with the amount of live sport broadcaster on SuperSport – but one can’t spend every weekend watching everything that is on. So I try prioritise what I really want to watch and try schedule time around that. Over the last year or so, I really have learned to put my family first; to put my phone down and listen to my children. My office hours are 4:30am-12:30pm, but sport is 24/7 so there really is no “logging out”. I have had to consciously make a point of not picking up my phone to check emails and social media , when I’m with my kids – and it’s taken a while for me to break the habit of “working” while with my children.

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

First, most definitely family: my husband and 2 children, as well as my extended family – and then definitely my health, and my job.

Q: Do you want to share a little bit about your faith journey?

I was raised Catholic, growing up we went to church every Sunday up until my confirmation where after my parents allowed me the choose when I wanted to go to church. I do still try go every Sunday, as my faith is very dear to me and a relationship with God and Jesus is of utmost importance.

Q: Name 2 things on your bucket list? Career and personal 🙂

Career wise, there really is not much left on my bucket list. I can honestly say I have reached all my career goals that I wish I had dreamed bigger – perhaps it’s time to set new ones. My personal bucket list is definitely to travel more, and I would love to go to a Wimbledon final.

Q: What do you do to relax?

Don’t laugh but I knit, or go for a run. But if I do get some time free I like to catch up on sleep.

Q: One thing about Cindy that your fans does not know 🙂

I have fans??? I am pretty much an open book. What you see is what you get. I have no deep dark secrets.

Q: Does a person ever get over nerves the moment before going live 🙂?

The nerves have eased on radio somewhat, but I still cannot do live TV or public speaking. I really struggle with that. Radio is a breeze. TV not at all.

Q: I love the way you have blended social media into your work and personal life – do you want to share on this?

Social media has just become part of my everyday life. It’s become another avenue of getting a message out there faster. It’s a way of staying informed. It has definitely made the world a smaller place for us in media.

I like to post on Instagram and Facebook as it’s also a way to “save” my pictures and experiences for the future. I’d like my children to one day scroll through my timelines and see how much I love and appreciate them. We also forget so much, and over the years it’s wonderful to be able to reflect on past memories.

Q: What is your why? What legacy do you want to leave behind for those coming after you?

I would really love to find a way to grow and nurture future sports anchors. That maybe there’s someone out there who thinks “I want to be like Cindy Poluta”. I’m not sure how I would go about it, but I hope I have opened the door for many female sports broadcasters in the country.

Q: Our youth is our hope and our future – what would your challenge be to our youth / sports youth?

Not so much a challenge. Just some advice: work hard. Set yourself goals, and then work towards them. When I was in my 20’s all my friends were going out all weekend and I would be working early mornings in radio, or long hours in TV. Don’t get me wrong I definitely partied but at the same time I just kept thinking “short term sacrifice for a long term goal” – and it paid off. Hard work never killed anyone just always remember “short term sacrifice for a long term goal”.

Thank you so much for taking this interview. We would like to wish you all the best for your journey and endeavours 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

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Individual medal winner:

The full and final athletes in Team South Africa for the 2016 Olympics (includes the list that was announced in May 2016)

ATHLETICS

BADMINTON

CANOEING

CYCLING

EQUESTRIAN

GOLF

GYMNASTICS

JUDO

ROWING

RUGBY SEVENS

SAILING

TRIATHLON

MEDICAL TEAM

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