Heslop Sports

Carla Johnson:Dreaming of the Olympics

April 23, 2016 Published by: Cresi Heslop

Carla Johnson (18) is passionate about sports and she is appealing for a good Samaritan to sponsor her so that she doesn’t miss any more competitions
PHOTO: TIYESE JERANJI

“Giving up on yourself is not an option; striving for success is the only way to a better and happy life.”

These are the words that have kept teen athlete Carla Johnson (18) from Retreat motivated.

In spite of her challenges and lack of financial means at times, it never crosses her mind to stop what she really loves doing. Johnson is the best in running, long jump and heptathlon and she has medals to show for it.

However, at times she struggles to make ends meet and misses competitions because she doesn’t have money.

Her love for athletics started when she was eight years old, influenced by brothers who also love sports.

She has attained her Western Province colours and has represented the province at different national competitions.

WhirlwindWhen she takes to the track, she runs like a whirlwind. Her success on the track has earned her national colours and the opportunity to represent the country in Botswana, China and the USA.

Johnson says this is her life.

“I really enjoy it. Sport is my passion; I really love doing it and I just can’t imagine myself doing anything else. This is what I want to do all the time. It completes me and gives me so much joy,” she says.

Taking from her role models Sonja van der Merwe and Usain Bolt, she is determined to be the best in whatever she does. Now she is eyeing the 2020 Olympics and says taking part in that will be a dream come true.

“I’m training so hard. I want to be part of the team so that I can show the world want I can do. I want to compete at the highest level of sport. This is what I really love and going to the 2020 Olympics will be a top achievement for me.”

Raised by a single mother, she says sometimes she misses sporting events because her mother simply cannot afford it.

Her wish is to have a sponsor who will help her with the sporting gear that she needs to take part in sports.

They have been knocking on several doors for support, but nothing has come up for her yet.

Never give upHowever, she says that it will not stop her from doing what really completes her.

“My mother struggles a lot, but she tries to make ends meet. It really breaks my heart when I have to miss a competition, but I know she would have tried. I’m appealing to people to sponsor me so that I won’t have to miss any more competitions. At times it becomes difficult to even get money for transport, but my mother has always tried to make sure that I don’t miss any competition,” she says.

Her mother, Berenice, says Carla really loves what she does, though it hasn’t been easy for them and they haven’t given up.

“When she has tournaments coming up I do fundraising and even sell stuff so that she can at least have pocket money. It really pains me a lot to see the great potential that she has and I wouldn’t want her to miss on reaching the stars because I can’t afford it. We struggle to get sponsorships and we hope that one day something will come her way. She is very passionate about this, so I support her all the time.”

By – Tiyese Jeranji @Jeranji

Source: News24

NTS Northern Tigers Swimming Sports Swimming

Huge dreams for a huge talent

April 22, 2016 Published by: Cresi Heslop

Jarred Crous would one day like to be the best in the world like Cameron van der Burgh has been for so many years.

The teenage breaststroker made the first step towards realising his dream when he qualified for the Rio Olympic Games at last week’s South African Swimming Championships in Durban.

Finishing behind Van der Burgh in the 200m breaststroke, the 19-year-old Crous posted a time of 2:11.65 to take four seconds off his previous best time to earn a place to his maiden Games.

”Now the hard work really begins to ensure I can actually compete and not just participate at the Olympics because you want to compete against the best in the world,” Crous said.

”The goal is to become the best one day, so I will have to start working on that now.”The former Crawford College pupil represented South Africa at the 2014 Nanjing Youth Olympics where he featured in the finals of the 50, 100, and 200m breaststroke.

Crous’ reason for getting into the pool is the same as Van der Burgh’s as their diagnoses for ADHD led them to swimming as alternative treatment to medication.

They also matriculated from the same school, and will both be swimming the same events in Rio de Janeiro in August.While Van der Burgh will be going into the Games as the defending champion in the 100m breaststroke and as serious medal prospect, Crous will be using his debut on the global stage as a stepping stone to future glory.

”The build-up to 2016 started last year September when I moved to Igor Omelchenko, and he said ‘we can make it if we put in all the effort’ but he couldn’t guarantee it, no-one can,” Crous said.

”It is going to be building blocks towards 2020 and 2024 going to my first major international gala and you can’t go much bigger than the Olympic Games.”This one will be more about getting the experience, taking in the vibe, and trying to make semi-finals and do personal best times while I am there.

”Crous’ qualifying swim provided one of the most poignant moments of last week’s championships as his father Juan Crous celebrated his son’s feat.

”You f…king champion!” Juan exclaimed as he hugged his son before they shared in an emotional embrace.Qualifying for the pinnacle of his sport, Crous talked about the personal sacrifices his parents had to make to aid him in reaching his dreams.

”When I won my first gold in 2005 my dad asked me what I wanted to do from there and I said I wanted to swim at the Olympics one day,” Crous recalled.

”My parents promised to do anything in their powers to get me there and they’ve done pretty much everything for me, the sacrifices have been huge, when we had no money they would support me no matter what.”

Source: IOL

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Greek fire lights up Rio 2016 Games… Olympic Torch lit in traditional ceremony at Olympia

April 21, 2016 Published by: Cresi Heslop

Flame brought to life at site of ancient Games before setting off on Olympic Torch Relay that will cross Greece, Switzerland and Brazil.

Eleftherios Petrounias lit the Rio 2016 torch from the Olympic flame held by Katerina Lehou (Photo: Rio 2016/André Luiz Mello)

The Olympic flame for the Rio 2016 Games is now burning brightly. In an evocative lighting ceremony on Thursday (21 April) in the Greek town of Olympia, birthplace of the Games, an actress playing the part of a high priestess used a parabolic mirror to light the flame directly from the sun’s rays in accordance with ancient tradition.

After the lighting ceremony, the Olympic torch has embarked on a seven-day relay that will take it across Greece. Next week, the torch will travel to Switzerland before journeying to Brazil in early May for a 95-day tour ahead of the first Olympic Games to be held in South America.

“Rio is ready to deliver history. Let’s live this dream together”

Rio 2016 President Carlos Nuzman in Olympia

On 5 August, at the climax of the opening ceremony in the Maracanã stadium in Rio, the flame that came to life in Olympia on Thursday will be used to light the Olympic cauldron for the Games of the XXXI Olympiad.

The ceremony featured a choreography inspired by ancient Greece (Photo: Getty Images/Milos Bicanski)

“Rio de Janeiro with the support of all Brazilians will provide a spectacular stage to showcase the best of the human spirit,” said Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). “The Brazilian people will enthusiastically welcome the world and amaze us with their joy of life and their passion for sport.”

“The torch relay will spread the message of our shared humanity to all people of the beautiful country of Brazil, a nation that is built on the idea that its strength comes from uniting all of its cultural richness”

Thomas Bach, IOC President

Greek gymnast Eleftherios Petrounias was the first to carry the Rio 2016 torch. Petrounias said this week that he nearly crashed his car when hearing that he had been chosen for the historial role. The 25-year-old world champion then passed the flame to Brazil’s double volleyball champion Giovane Gávio, who had promised to savour the moment and set off walking rather than running for his stretch of the relay.

Find out all about the relay and torch design

“We in Brazil understand our responsibility as guardians of this Olympic Flame. We promise to deliver, to stage Games that will unite and inspire the world”

Carlos Arthur Nuzman, Rio 2016 President

Spyros Capralos, President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee of Greece said he was sure the Brazilians would host ‘marvellous’ Games. “The current worldwide situation makes it imperative to bring down any walls keeping us apart, and build bridges instead, bringing people together in peace and harmony,” he said.

Brazilian volleyball legend Giovane Gávio enjoyed his moment as the second torchbearer (Photo: Rio 2016/André Luiz Mello)

The Olympic flame was lit by actress Katerina Lehou, who played the role of a high priestess of the goddess Hera. Lehou was supported by a retinue of priestesses wearing costumes created by designer Eleni Kyriacou, a pupil of Alexander McQueen.

After the lighting ceremony, a procession moved on to the ancient stadium, where, dressed in archaic costumes, priestesses and male dancers performed a choreography inspired by Ancient Greece to the sounds of flutes, lyres, bagpipes and percussive instruments.

A symbol of peace

The lighting of the Olympic flame always follows elaborate rituals that are part of an evocative tradition, connecting the ancient Games, first held in Olympia in 776 BC, with the modern Games that started in 1896. In ancient times, the flame would be carried across Greek territory, heralding an Olympic truce that halted all wars. In modern times, the Olympic flame is a powerful symbol of peace, union and friendship between peoples.

The Ancient Greeks considered fire to be a divine element. By lighting the flame using the rays of the sun and a ‘skaphia’, a type of mirror, its purity was ensured.

The relay

The torch will be carried around Greece for seven days, reaching the majority of the country, including the iconic town of Marathon and the islands of Zante and Corfu, covering 2,235km (1,388 miles) and visiting seven archaeological sites. In total, 450 people will carry the torch in the Greek section of the relay. One of those will be a so-far unnamed Syrian refugee who has claimed asylum in Greece. At the camp for refugees and migrants in Eleonas, Athens, the Syrian will bear the torch in the name of all refugees.

The Olympic torch will be formally handed over to Brazil at a ceremony next Wednesday (27 April) at the Panathinaiko Stadium in the Greek capital, the venue for the 1896 Olympic Games.

See the full schedule for the Greek leg of the torch relay

After leaving Greece, the torch will go to Geneva, Switzerland, for a ceremony at the United Nations. It will then go on display at the nearby Olympic Museum in Lausanne, home of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The Brazilian section of the relay will begin on 3 May in capital city Brasília. About 12,000 torch bearers will take part as the relay passes through more than 300 towns and cities during the 95-day event that will culminate at the opening ceremony at the Maracanã stadium, when the flame is used to light the Olympic cauldron.

Rio 2016 Olympic Torch Relay to showcase diverse beauty of Brazil

Source: Rio 2016

Home Interviews Proudly South African ski

Fresh & Hungry: Rachel Elizabeth Olivier

April 20, 2016 Published by: Cresi Heslop

Rachel Elizabeth Olivier was the sole representative of South Africa at the Winter Youth Olympic Games in Norway from 12-21 February 2016. She is a determined young girl who set her goals in private and made them a reality in public, this is what Johan had to say: “I thought I would like to share something with you: Elizabeth was told that she would be the right age for the Winter Olympic Games by her coach 3 years before the games. She then made it her goal and started doing more, training harder, spending more time on snow, giving it her all at the Winter Sports Academy. We only became aware of the fact that she had the Games as a goal during the 2015 ski season in South Africa (July – August 2015). That was 8 months before the games”.

She is proudly and caringly coached by our National Ski Coach, Alex Heath a 3 time Olympic skier himself.

She says: “I am quiet, hardworking and a bit shy. I love reading, hiking ,being outside and spending time with family and good friends. I love socializing, but prefer being alone. I work hard at any goal I set and always give my best”.

Training happens at the Tiffindell Ski Resort is a fully equipped winter snow resort with state of the art snowmaking and grooming equipment, ski lifts, ski shop and ski school. The resort has an immaculately groomed ski area and offers three months of skiing each year during June, July and August by way of natural and man-made snow.

*Athlete: Bio / Stats*
Name & Surname	Rachel Elizabeth Olivier
Date of birth	1999-03-19
Place of birth	Bloemfontein
Current City	Barkly East
Height	163 cm
Weight	58 kg
Shoe Size	7
Club	Ikhepu Ski Pups/ Winter Sports Academy
Coach’s Name	Alex Heath : Three times Olympian
Out of Country events/ meets	Dream Program 2014 – Pyeongchang, South Korea FIS races in Italy and Austria
Secondary Sport/ sports	Tennis, netball, swimming
Favorite City	Pretoria
Favorite Song	The gambler – jerry douglas
Favorite Movie	Cool Runnings, The Star Wars
Tertiary Inst Name/ Year	Sentraal High School, Bloemfontein. Grade 12
Sponsors	Tiffindell Ski Resort , Ikhephu Ski Pups
Facebook name Instagram name	Facebook: Elizabeth Olivier Instagram: elizabeth_olivier
Community projects involved in	Ikhephu Ski Pups Junior Development Ski Club, Crocs Rock Race Mosheshesford,
Parents Names, siblings	Christina and Johan Olivier. Brothers: Matthys, Francois and Benjamin Olivier

INTERVIEW:

Q: You are one of SA’s top ski athletes, passionate and doing so well, tell me a little bit about how you started in skiing and your journey in the ski arena up to now?

I started skiing when I was 5-6 years old. I am part of the Ski Pups, a development program that teaches children from our community to ski. I learned to ski through the ski pups. Three years ago the ski pups started the Winter Sports Academy at Tiffindell ski resort. I was a full-time athlete at the academy the past 2 years. The academy consists of 32 student who train and go to school at the resort for the 3 months of the winter season duration.

Q: Explain to me slalom and giant slalom?

In Slalom the gates are closer to each other and you have to make shorter turns that follow closely on each other, it is a very dynamic discipline as you move the entire time. Giant Slalom is much faster than slalom as the gates are further apart. You carry more speed through the course as you don’t turn as much as in slalom.

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

I am the South African National- and National Junior Champion in Slalom for the past 3 years. My greatest accomplishment is definitely the Youth Olympic Games in Lillehammer, and proudly representing my country at The Games.

Q: You were the sole member of Team SA at the Lillehammer 2016 Winter Youth Olympic Games in Norway from 12-21 February 2016 – Congrats! How did you experience that?

It was amazing to be able to represent my country and compete not only for myself and my country, but also all the young skiers and athletes in my community and our country. It was really good and fun, but it would have been more fun to have some teammates as I got lonely at times. I was a bit overwhelmed by the attention and media coverage I got at the games. I think the pressure on individual athletes in bigger teams are less than being the only athlete.

Q: In your opinion, what is the value of Education in a young person’s life?

Education is the most important part of a young person’s life. We are the future leaders of the world.

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

Learn to believe in yourself – you are capable of doing much more than you can imagine

Q: What do you do to relax?

I love reading, hiking or playing tennis to relax. I also love listening to music and baking.

Q: What is your personal favourite motivational quote?

Take pride in how far you’ve come, and have faith in how far you can go.

Q: What is your favourite Bible / Scripture quote?

Psalm 37:4-5

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

My biggest challenge is balancing my schoolwork and the skiing. It is really tough as I am absent from school 3 months of the year and miss my June exams. It is quite hard to study and focus on the skiing as our season is really short. Another challenge is convincing South Africans that alpine skiing is a competitive winter sport, and a full blown Olympic sport.

Q: In your opinion, how do you define success in life / how do you define a successful person?

A person who can make something meaningful of any situation, who finds love and happiness in relationships

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

For the joy of skiing, introducing the sport to more young people. Be an inspiration to young athletes to aim for the best, you never know where it will take you…If I can do it, you can do better!

Q: What is your message of encouragement to South African and African youth and our nation?

Work hard to reach your goals. You never know when your dreams might come true. Keep on believing and have faith in your future, the best is yet to come.

Q: Plans and upcoming major meets / champs for this year?

I will definitely compete in the FIS races in South Africa this season and defend my national title at the National Champs.

Next year the 2017 Almaty Winter Universiade in Kazakstan, will be exciting!

Q: Anything else you would like to share?

You can do it – but not on your own. I wish to thank:

Ikhephu Ski Pups and Winter Sports Academy : my friends and fellow athletes who ski and train with me, volunteers, friends and parents .

Tiffindell Ski Resort

Department of Sport

Snow Sports South Africa

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!

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.

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SA Olympic Trials Day 7: Humble in Victory, Proud in Defeat

April 17, 2016 Published by: Cresi Heslop

I salute all athletes who competed at the SA National Aquatic Championships and Olympic Trials 2016. I dedicate this poem to you this morning to salute you WHEREVER YOU ARE IN YOUR SWIM JOURNEY.

“Build me a son, O Lord, who will be strong enough to know when he is weak, and brave enough to face himself when he is afraid; one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat, and humble and gentle in victory.

Build me a son whose wishbone will not be where his backbone should be; a son who will know Thee and that to know himself is the foundation stone of knowledge. Lead him, I pray, not in the path of ease and comfort, but under the stress and spur of difficulties and challenge. Here let him learn to stand up in the storm; here let him learn compassion for those who fail.

Build me a son whose heart will be clean, whose goal will be high; a son who will master himself before he seeks to master other men; one who will learn to laugh, yet never forget how to weep; one who will reach into the future, yet never forget the past.

And after all these things are his, add, I pray, enough of a sense of humor, so that he may always be serious, yet never take himself too seriously. Give him humility, so that he may always remember the simplicity of greatness, the open mind of true wisdom, the meekness of true strength.

Then I, his father, will dare to whisper, “I have not lived in vain.””

-General Douglas MacArthur

The SA National Aquatic Championships were successfully concluded on Saturday night with 10 athletes making 13 Olympic Qualifying Times. In the multi-disability section, a phenomenal 5 female and 5 male swimmers clocked 17 Paralympic Qualifying Times during the week-long competition which took place at the Kings Park Aquatics Centre in Durban.

The KZN trio of Chad le Clos, Matthew Meyer and Brad Tandy entrenched their names firmly in the minds of the national selectors as they confirmed their Olympic qualifying times on the last evening of the competition.

Le Clos’ outstanding performance earned him his third Olympic Qualification time and the gold medal in the 100m butterfly when he touched the wall in 51.82 ahead of Dylan Bosch in 53.00 and Ryan Coetzee in 53.21.

Chad le Clos

In the 50m freestyle, Tandy sped to the finish line in an Olympic Qualification time of 22.13, followed by Douglas Erasmus in 22.55 and Roland Schoeman in 22.75.

Finishing over five seconds ahead of the pack, Meyer scooped the gold in the 1500m freestyle with an Olympic Qualification time of 15:09.58 to the 15:14.77 requirement. Brent Szurdoki won the silver in 15:15.50 and Josh Dannhauser the bronze in 15:44.57.

In the non-Olympic 50m breaststroke final, Cameron van der Burgh was once again on top, clocking 27.17, with the silver medal going to Giulio Zorzi in 27.50 and the bronze to Jarred Crous in 27.99, while in the tightly contested 50m butterfly race, Brett Walsh finished first in 24.21 ahead of Reynard Wessels in 24.31 and Nico Meyer in 24.40.

Cameron van der Burgh

Nathania van Niekerk ended the competition with a gold medal in the 200m backstroke, touching the wall in 2:11.33 ahead of Mariella Venter in 2:11.99 and Samantha Randle in 2:17.28, while the 50m breaststroke was won by Tara Nicholas in 31.82 to Taryn Mackenzie’s 32.15 and Tatjana Schoenmaker’s 32.25.

Tatjan Schoenmaker – Photo Credits: Brian Spurr Photography

Tayla Lovemore was quick off the block in the 50m freestyle, winning the event in 25.97 to Jessica Ashley-Cooper’s 26.10 and Emma Chelius’ 26.40, while Vanessa Mohr, Felicity Passon and Hannah McLean-Leonard topped the 50m butterfly final in 26.85, 28.06 and 28.41 respectively.

Vanessa Mohr

Carissa van Rooyen celebrated her win in the 50m backstroke in 30.41, followed by Gabi Grobler in 30.47 and Catherine Sainsbury in 30.56, while on the men’s side, Ricky Ellis came first in his respective backstroke race in 25.83, while Jacques van Wyk and Christopher Reid shared the silver medal in 25.97.

Podium photo 100m back

Carissa van Rooyen – the very young 13 year at her first SA Nationals 2016

In the long distance 800m freestyle, Michelle Weber came from behind and walked away with the gold medal in 8:57.68 ahead of Jessica Whelan (8:58.68) and Kristin Bellingan (8:59.03).

In the multi-disability category, Aaron Putz won the S14 and S15 50m breaststroke title in 35.33 ahead of Pierre Dellieu in 32.87 and Raymond de Freitas in 36.66, while on the ladies side, Maritza Snyder claimed the gold in 45.74 and Michaela Kretzen and Cornelia Fowler the silver and bronze in 49.25 and 50.18 respectively.

In the S1-S13 events, Hendrik van der Merwe was victorious in 46.85 with the silver going to Johann van Heerden in 32.40 and the bronze to Jean Pretorius in 35.96, as Britney Strumpher won her respective race in 37.29 ahead of Alani Ferreira in 41.17 and Sannon Martins in 47.39.

Hendrik van der Merwe

Achmat Hassiem

Achmat Hasseim, a Paralympian from South African arrives at Terminal 1 of Heathrow Airport in London.

The final Olympic and Paralympic teams will be selected by SASCOC.

The staging of this event was made possible through the support provided by Swimming SA partners, Sport and Recreation South Africa, SASCOC, National Lotteries Commission, Arena, Rand Water and the SABC.

Final List of Olympic Qualifying Times:

Sebastien Rousseau – 400m individual medley – 4:14.75
Michael Meyer – 400m individual medley – 4:15.71
Myles Brown – 400m freestyle – 3:48.86
Cameron van der Burgh – 100m breaststroke – 59.66
Cameron van der Burgh – 200m breaststroke – 2:10.13
Christopher Reid – 100m backstroke – 54.02
Chad le Clos – 200m freestyle – 1:47.75
Chad le Clos – 200m butterfly – 1:55.04
Chad le Clos – 100m butterfly – 51.82
Jarred Crous – 200m breaststroke – 2:11.65
Brad Tandy – 50m freestyle – 22.13
Douglas Erasmus – 50m freestyle – 22.26
Matthew Meyer – 1500m freestyle – 15:09.58

Final list of Paralympic Qualifying Times:

Kevin Paul (SM10) – 200m individual medley – 2:15.78
Kevin Paul (SB9) – 100m breaststroke – 1:05.10
Johann van Heerden (SB9) – 100m breaststroke – 1:12.64
Alani Ferreira (SM13) – 200m individual medley – 2:50.43
Alani Ferreira (S13) – 400m freestyle – 5:21.00
Alani Ferreira (SB13) – 100m breaststroke – 1:26.90
Alani Ferreira (S13) – 100m butterfly – 1:23.37
Emily Gray (S9) – 400m freestyle – 5:05.36
Emily Gray (S10) – 100m backstroke – 1:17.17
Craig Groenewald (SB14) – 100m breaststroke – 1:12.33
Hendri Herbst (S11) – 100m backstroke – 1:16.84
Hendri Herbst (S11) – 100m freestyle – 1:00.01
Hendri Herbst (S11) – 50m freestyle – 27.24
Shireen Sapiro (S10) – 100m backstroke – 1:11.87
Achmat Hassiem (S10) – 100m butterfly – 1:00.44
Beth Nothling (S5) – 50m backstroke – 55.50
Adri Visser (S5) – 50m butterfly – 52.02

Media Statement by Swimming South Africa

Home Olympics 2016 Rio Proudly South African Swimming

SA Olympic Trials Day 6: Tatjana the Brave

April 16, 2016 Published by: Cresi Heslop

Last night saw the world and SA sitting on edge as we spurred on Tatjana Schoenmaker with all our hearts to be the first qualifying female Olympian at the SA Olympic Trials. She came within one hundredth of a second from qualifying. What a brave swim and what a victorious athlete already considering that she actually did this Olympic qualifying time already at the SA Swimming Grand Prix just a while back in Stellenbosch. There she clocked 2:26.50 and last night 2:26.95. Tatjana you are a true champion and we salute you.

Congratulations goes out to four additional Olympic and Paralympic qualification times were posted at Durban’s Kings Park Aquatics Centre as Chad Le Clos, Brad Tandy, Hendri Herbst and Adri Visser shined bright during the second-last day of the SA National Aquatic Championships.

Well done and Congratulations Adri Visser – Photo Credits: Heslop Sports

Get to know Adri here: http://heslopsports.co.za/wp/adri-visser/

Chad le Clos raced to his third Olympic Qualification time of the competition, this time in the 100m butterfly semi-finals, clocking 51.91 to Ryan Coetzee’s 53.44 and Dylan Bosch’s 54.04, ahead of tomorrow night’s final.

Brad Tandy, who swam to an Olympic Qualifying time of 22.13 in the heats session of the 50m freestyle earlier in the day, topped the evening semi-finals race in a slower 22.28, to the required 22.27. Tandy will be looking to improve on that performance when he takes to the water in tomorrow’s final, alongside Douglas Erasmus and Roland Schoeman, who finished in 22.40 and 22.69 respectively.

The semi-finals of the 200m backstroke were contested between Nathania van Niekerk, Mariella Venter and Samantha Randle, with Van Niekerk touching the wall first in 2:11.53 to Venter’s 2:13.36 and Randle’s 2:17.71. The final of the event will take place tomorrow.

Tatjana Schoenamer just missed out on qualification to the Rio Olympic Games in the 200m breaststroke event, finishing the race in 2:26.95, while Kaylene Corbett walked away with the silver in 2:30.18 and Franko Jonker with the bronze in 2:31.29. The set standard stood at 2:26.94.

Photo Credits: Brian Spurr Photography

Karin Prinsloo raced ahead of the pack in the 100m freestyle and won the gold in 56.12, while Erin Gallagher claimed the silver in a close 56.31 and Tayla Lovemore the bronze in 56.98.

In the 200m backstroke, Martin Binedell made his way to the top of the medal podium in 2:01.35 followed by Neil Fair in 2:02.40 and Ricky Ellis in 2:02.72, while Bosch took the honors in the 200m individual medley in 2:01.24 ahead of Michael Meyer (2:01.69) and Jarryd Baxter (2:03.21).

Martin Binedell – http://heslopsports.co.za/wp/martin-binedell/

Hendri Herbst (S11) raced to his third Paralympic Qualification time, clocking a fast 27.24 in the 50m freestyle, while Adri Visser (S5) added her name to the ever-growing list in the 50m butterfly, when she finished in 52.02 to the required 54.29.

Mark Roach won the S14 and S15 50m freestyle event in 25.43 ahead of Craig Groenewald in 27.11 and Aaron Putz in 28.29, while on the ladies side, Christelle Kriel, Cornell Loubser and Maritza Snyder topped their race in 30.89, 29.64 and 34.88, respectively.

Loubser scooped the gold ahead of Kriel in the 50m butterfly, touching the wall in 30.02 to Kriel’s 33.29, while Groenewald went one better in his category, winning the race in 29.34, with Ahmat Hassiem walked away with the gold in the S1-S13 race in 27.45.

In the S1-S13 50m freestyle, Emily Gray, Shireen Sapiro and Shannon Martins came out on top in 32.53, 31.56 and 34.35 respectively.

The final day heats will start at 10h00 while the finals will begin at 18h30.

The staging of this event has been made possible through the support provided by Swimming SA partners, Sport and Recreation South Africa, SASCOC, National Lotteries Commission, Arena, Rand Water and the SABC.

Olympic Qualifying Times following Day 06:

Sebastien Rousseau – 400m individual medley – 4:14.75
Michael Meyer – 400m individual medley – 4:15.71
Myles Brown – 400m freestyle – 3:48.86
Cameron van der Burgh – 100m breaststroke – 59.66
Cameron van der Burgh – 200m breaststroke – 2:10.13
Christopher Reid – 100m backstroke – 54.02
Chad le Clos – 200m freestyle – 1:47.75
Chad le Clos – 200m butterfly – 1:55.04
Chad le Clos – 100m butterfly – 51.91 (SF)
Jarred Crous – 200m breaststroke – 2:11.65
Brad Tandy – 50m freestyle – 22.13 (heats)

Paralympic Qualifying Times following Day 06:

Kevin Paul (SM10) – 200m individual medley – 2:15.78
Kevin Paul (SB9) – 100m breaststroke – 1:05.10
Johann van Heerden (SB9) – 100m breaststroke – 1:12.64
Alani Ferreira (SM13) – 200m individual medley – 2:50.43
Alani Ferreira (S13) – 400m freestyle – 5:21.00 (heats)
Alani Ferreira (SB13) – 100m breaststroke – 1:26.90
Alani Ferreira (S13) – 100m butterfly – 1:23.37
Emily Gray (S9) – 400m freestyle – 5:05.36 (heats)
Emily Gray (S10) – 100m backstroke – 1:17.17
Craig Groenewald (SB14) – 100m breaststroke – 1:12.33
Hendri Herbst (S11) – 100m backstroke – 1:16.84
Hendri Herbst (S11) – 100m freestyle – 1:00.01
Hendri Herbst (S11) – 50m freestyle – 27.24
Shireen Sapiro (S10) – 100m backstroke – 1:11.87
Achmat Hassiem (S10) – 100m butterfly – 1:00.44 (heats)
Beth Nothling (S5) – 50m backstroke – 55.50
Adri Visser (S5) – 50m butterfly – 52.02

*SF – Semi-Final

Media Statement by Swimming South Africa

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SA Olympic Trials: Day 5: Brothers in Arms & Victory

April 15, 2016 Published by: Cresi Heslop

The 5th day of the SA Olympic Trials proved to be one of deep emotion and great victory for two of Gauteng’s Northern Tigers Swimmers: Jarred Crous and Cameron van der Burgh as they shared Olympic entry times. Well done to these two homies of mine! (Thursday 14^th April 2016 )

They turned up the tempo as they posted thrilling finishes and recorded Olympic Qualifying Times on the fifth day of the SA National Aquatic Championships at the Kings Park Aquatics Centre in Durban.

Jarred Crous & Cameron van der Burgh – New meaning to ‘brothers in arms’ – Photo Credits: Heslop Sports

Jarred Crous

Photo Credits: Brian Spurr Photography

Van der Burgh was quick off the block and confirmed his Olympic Qualification time in the 200m breaststroke with a golden 2:10.13, while 19 year old Crous was over the moon with his first qualification time of the competition and the silver medal, clocking 2:11.65, just 0.01secs under the required 2:11.66. Ayrton Sweeney won the bronze in 2:14.36.

Photo Credits: Brian Spurr Photography

Christopher Reid just missed out on adding the 200m backstroke to his list of Olympic Qualifying times when he raced to a 1:58.31 in tonight’s semi-finals, just 0.09secs of the required 1:58.22. Reid will be looking to better that performance in tomorrow’s final.

In the 200m breaststroke semi-finals, Tatjana Schoenmaker, Franko Jonker and Kaylene Corbett swam the fastest to qualify for tomorrow evening’s final in 2:27.48, 2:28.70 and 2:32.29, while on the men’s side, Sebastien Rousseau, Neil Fair and Dylan Bosch topped the 200m individual medley semi-finals in 2:01.21, 2:04.02 and 2:04.31, respectively.

Tatjana Schoenmaker – Photo Credits: Heslop Sports

Erin Gallagher and Karin Prinsloo finished first and second the 100m freestyle semi-finals in 56.30 and 56.54, respectively and will both strive for faster times ahead of tomorrow night’s final, in the hope of clocking the set 54.43.

Karin Prinsloo – Photo Credits: Heslop Sports

Rene Warnes was at the top of the medal podium in the 200m butterfly in 2:16.75, over six seconds ahead of Marli Jacobs in 2:22.25 and Hanim Abrahams in 2:22.46, while the 100m freestyle title went to Calvyn Justus in 49.88, followed by Myles Brown in 50.21 and Douglas Erasmus in 50.31

Rene Warnes – Photo Credits: Heslop Sports

Two more Paralympic Qualifying Times were posted in the multi-disability events as Beth Nothling added her name to the growing list, finishing the 50m backstroke in 55.50 to the required 56.11.

Hendri Herbst (S11) raced to his second Paralympic Qualification time in the 100m freestyle, touching the wall in 1:00.01, while Emily Gray claimed the gold in her category in 1:09.94 and Craig Groenewald won the S14 and S15 race in 58.45.

In the S14 and S15 50m backstroke, Mark Roach was victorious in 29.71 ahead of Aaron Putz in 33.08 and Raymond de Freitas in 33.89, while on the ladies side, Christelle Kriel came out on top in 36.55 with the silver and bronze going to Michaela Kretzen (40.57) and Maritza Snyder (42.53). The trio also finished with the gold, silver and bronze in the 100m freestyle, clocking 1:03.20, 1:07.82 and 1:15.28 respectively.

Achmat Hassiem won the S1-S13 50m backstroke in 32.54, followed by Jean Pretorius in 33.87 and Thulane Mabuza in 35.64, as Shireen Sapiro scooped the gold in her respective race in 34.79 ahead of Shannon Martins (40.97) and Michelle Bloem (39.24).

Achmat Hassiem – Photo Credits: Heslop Sports

Sapiro (S10) and Hassiem (S10) also claimed the silver medals in the 100m freestyle in 1:08.99 and 57.38 respectively.

The day 06 heats will start at 10h00 while the finals will begin at 18h30 daily.

Olympic Qualifying Times following Day 05:

Sebastien Rousseau – 400m individual medley – 4:14.75
Michael Meyer – 400m individual medley – 4:15.71
Myles Brown – 400m freestyle – 3:48.86
Cameron van der Burgh – 100m breaststroke – 59.66
Cameron van der Burgh – 200m breaststroke – 2:10.13
Christopher Reid – 100m backstroke – 54.02
Chad le Clos – 200m freestyle – 1:47.75
Chad le Clos – 200m butterfly – 1:55.04
Jarred Crous – 200m breaststroke – 2:11.65

Paralympic Qualifying Times following Day 05:

Kevin Paul (SM10) – 200m individual medley – 2:15.78
Kevin Paul (SB9) – 100m breaststroke – 1:05.10
Johann van Heerden (SB9) – 100m breaststroke – 1:12.64
Alani Ferreira (SM13) – 200m individual medley – 2:50.43
Alani Ferreira (S13) – 400m freestyle – 5:21.00 (heats)
Alani Ferreira (SB13) – 100m breaststroke – 1:26.90
Alani Ferreira (S13) – 100m butterfly – 1:23.37
Emily Gray (S9) – 400m freestyle – 5:05.36 (heats)
Emily Gray (S10) – 100m backstroke – 1:17.17
Craig Groenewald (SB14) – 100m breaststroke – 1:12.33
Hendri Herbst (S11) – 100m backstroke – 1:16.84
Hendri Herbst (S11) – 100m freestyle – 1:00.01
Shireen Sapiro (S10) – 100m backstroke – 1:11.87
Achmat Hassiem (S10) – 100m butterfly – 1:00.44 (heats)
Beth Nothling (S5) – 50m backstroke – 55.50

*SF – Semi-Final

For further information please contact:

Swimming South Africa is the governing body of aquatics in South Africa.

Its objective is to encourage the practice of aquatic disciplines for all in South Africa with the purpose of promoting swimming as a life skill through Learn To Swim programmes; providing healthy exercise to South Africans of all ages and races; recruiting recreational swimmers to compete in the various competitions; and promoting competition and athlete development to the highest level. Swimming South Africa is kindly supported by SASCOC, National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, Arena, Sport & Recreation SA and Rand Water.

Please visit www.swimsa.org for further information and news regarding Swimming.

Media Statement by Swimming South Africa

Sports Swimming

SA Olympic Trials: Day 4: 13 April 2016

April 13, 2016 Published by: Cresi Heslop

Media Statement by Swimming South Africa

Durban, Wednesday, 13^th April 2016 – Mzansi’s swimmers were once again unstoppable as they continued on their quest for Olympic and Paralympic Qualifying Times on the fourth day of the SA National Aquatic Championships at the Kings Park Aquatics Centre in Durban.

Olympian Chad le Clos took the honors in the final of the 200m butterfly, while confirming his Olympic Qualification time with a quick 1:55.04, followed by Sebastien Rousseau in 1:57.38 and Dylan Bosch in 1:58.18.

There was plenty of action in the 200m breaststroke as Cameron van der Burgh clocked yet another Olympic Qualification time today when he swam a time of 2:11.10, while Jarred Crous and Ayrton Sweeney ended second and third in 2:12.47 and 2:13.38 respectively. The final of the race will take place tomorrow.

The semi-finals of the 100m freestyle saw Douglas Erasmus top the group in 49.85, followed by Caydon Muller in 49.90. Erasmus and Muller will be striving for a faster time in tomorrow’s final to clock the 48.99 requirement for the Rio Olympic Games.

In the 200m butterfly semi-finals, it was Rene Warnes who touched the wall first in 2:13.85, while Marlie Jacob and Taryn Els finished a close second and third in 2:22.13 and 2:23.18, respectively. The final of the event will be held tomorrow.

Karin Prinsloo won the 200m freestyle final in 1:59.86, over four seconds ahead of Kristin Bellingan in 2:04.13 and Caitlin Kat in 2:04.40, while the 200m individual medley gold went to Marlies Ross in 2:17.47 ahead of Gabi Grobler in 2:19.05 and Kirsty McLauchlan in 2:20.38.

In the multi-disability section, Alani Ferreira (S13) walked away with her fourth Paralympic Qualification time and third African Record, this time in the 100m butterfly, clocking 1:23.37. Ferreira once again broke Marike Naude’s 2011 time of 1:25.91.

Achmat Hassiem (S10) swam to a Paralympic Qualification time of 1:00.44 in the 100m butterfly heats session but just missed out on confirming that time when he finished the finals of the event with a golden 1:00.59 to the set 1:00.47. The silver medal went to Jared Burger in 1:09.20 and the bronze to Jean Pretorius in 1:12.80.

Aaron Putz claimed the gold in the S14 and S15 100m butterfly in 1:11.38 ahead of Sean O’Neil in 1:41.01, while on the ladies side, Cornell Loubser (S15) won her respective race in 1:07.40 with Christelle Kriel coming in second in 1:17.16.

The day 05 heats will start at 10h00 while the finals will begin at 18h30 daily.

Olympic Qualifying Times following Day 04:

Sebastien Rousseau – 400m individual medley – 4:14.75
Michael Meyer – 400m individual medley – 4:15.71
Myles Brown – 400m freestyle – 3:48.86
Cameron van der Burgh – 100m breaststroke – 59.66
Cameron van der Burgh – 200m breaststroke (SF) – 2:11.10
Christopher Reid – 100m backstroke – 54.02
Chad le Clos – 200m freestyle – 1:47.75
Chad le Clos – 200m butterfly – 1:55.04

Paralympic Qualifying Times following Day 04:

Kevin Paul (SM10) – 200m individual medley – 2:15.78
Kevin Paul (SB9) – 100m breaststroke – 1:05.10
Johann van Heerden (SB9) – 100m breaststroke – 1:12.64
Alani Ferreira (SM13) – 200m individual medley – 2:50.43
Alani Ferreira (S13) – 400m freestyle – 5:21.00 (heats)
Alani Ferreira (SB13) – 100m breaststroke – 1:26.90
Alani Ferreira (S13) – 100m butterfly – 1:23.37
Emily Gray (S9) – 400m freestyle – 5:05.36 (heats)
Emily Gray (S10) – 100m backstroke – 1:17.17
Craig Groenewald (SB14) – 100m breaststroke – 1:12.33
Hendri Herbst (S11) – 100m backstroke – 1:16.84
Shireen Sapiro (S10) – 100m backstroke – 1:11.87
Achmat Hassiem (S10) – 100m butterfly – 1:00.44 (heats)

*SF – Semi-Final

Images credits: Heslop Sports

Home Olympics 2016 Rio Proudly South African Sports Swimming

SA Olympic Trials: Day 3: 12 April 2016

April 13, 2016 Published by: Cresi Heslop

Media Statement by Swimming South Africa

Durban, Tuesday, 12^th April 2016 – Chad le Clos led the way as the Olympic and Paralympic Qualification short list continued to grow on the third night of swimming action at the SA National Aquatic Championships at the Kings Park Aquatics Centre in Durban.

It was a close finish between Chad le Clos and Myles Brown in the final of the 200m freestyle. Le Clos came out on top and confirmed his Olympic Qualification time with a golden 1:47.75, while the silver medal went to Brown in 1:48.29 and the bronze to Egypt’s Marwan Elkamash in 1:48.34.

Le Clos’s second Olympic Qualification time came in the 200m butterfly semi-finals, where he led the pack from start to finish and posted a fast 1:55.61, to the required 1:56.97, while Sebastien Rousseau was a close second in 1:57.60. The final of the event will take place tomorrow.

The phenomenal performances continued with Christopher Reid, who raced to the gold and an Olympic qualification time of 54.02 in the 100m backstroke finals, followed by Zane Waddell in 56.09 and Jacques van Wyk in 56.25.

The 200m individual medley semi-finals saw Marlies Ross, Kirsty McLauchlan and Gabi Grobler take the top three positions in 2:16.17, 2:19.29 and 2:21.61, respectively. The final will be held tomorrow.

Karin Prinsloo came one step closer to making the Olympic Qualifying Time of 1:58.96 in the 200m freestyle, when she won the semi-finals this evening in 2:00.96 ahead of Kristin Bellingan in 2:04.98 and Caitlin Kat in 2:05.59.

In the 100m backstroke final, Mariella Venter walked away with the title in 1:01.32, with Nathania van Niekerk in second, clocking 1:02.41 and Jessica Ashley-Cooper third in 1:02.46, while the 100m breaststroke gold was claimed by Tatjana Schoenmaker in 1:09.17 ahead of Franko Jonker in 1:09.24 and Tara Nicholas in 1:09.30.

With five athletes having already swum eight Paralympic Qualifying Times to date, Shireen Sapiro (S10) and Emily Gray (S9) added their names on the short list to Rio by improving on their heat times to finish the 100m backstroke in 1:11.87 and 1:17.17, dipping under the set 1:13.40 and 1:17.70, respectively.

Hendri Herbst posted his first Paralympic Qualification time in the S11 100m backstroke, claiming the gold in 1:16.84, while Craig Groenewald won the S14 and S15 event in 1:09.50, with Aaron Putz coming in second in 1:11.39 and Challis Wright third in 1:11.66.

Christelle Kriel just missed out on the Paralympic Qualification time in the S14 and S15 100m backstroke, when she finished with a time of 1:16.40 to the required 1:16.23, while Michaela Kretzen took the silver in 1:26.18 and Maritza Snyders the bronze in 1:31.36.

The day 04 heats will start at 10h00 while the finals will begin at 18h30 daily.

Olympic Qualifying Times following Day 03:

Sebastien Rousseau – 400m individual medley – 4:14.75
Michael Meyer – 400m individual medley – 4:15.71
Myles Brown – 400m freestyle – 3:48.86
Cameron van der Burgh – 100m breaststroke – 59.66
Christopher Reid – 100m backstroke – 54.02
Chad le Clos – 200m freestyle – 1:47.75
Chad le Clos – 200m butterfly (SF) – 1:55.61

Paralympic Qualifying Times following Day 03:

Kevin Paul (SM10) – 200m individual medley – 2:15.78
Kevin Paul (SB9) – 100m breaststroke – 1:05.10
Johann van Heerden (SB9) – 100m breaststroke – 1:12.64
Alani Ferreira (SM13) – 200m individual medley – 2:50.43
Alani Ferreira (S13) – 400m freestyle – 5:21.00 (heats)
Alani Ferreira (SB13) – 100m breaststroke – 1:26.90
Emily Gray (S9) – 400m freestyle – 5:05.36 (heats)
Emily Gray (S10) – 100m backstroke – 1:17.17
Craig Groenewald (SB14) – 100m breaststroke – 1:12.33
Hendri Herbst (S11) – 100m backstroke – 1:16.84
Shireen Sapiro (S10) – 100m backstroke – 1:11.87

Home Olympics 2016 Rio Proudly South African Sports Swimming

SA Olympic Trials: Day 2

April 13, 2016 Published by: Cresi Heslop

Media Statement by Swimming South Africa

Durban, Monday, 11^th April 2016 – The Olympic and Paralympic Qualification times continued to tumble in, while Alani Ferreira broke another Africa Record on the second day of the SA National Aquatic Championships at the Kings Park Aquatics Centre in Durban.

Cameron van der Burgh brought the crowd to their feet when he confirmed his Olympic Qualification Time in the 100m breaststroke final, winning the race in a golden 59.66. Jarred Crous claimed the silver in 1:01.10 and Craig Emslie the bronze in 1:02.33.

Chad le Clos sprinted to a thrilling finish in the semi-finals of the 200m freestyle, clocking his first Olympic Qualifying Time of the Championships in 1:47.88, while Myles Brown and Egypt’s Marwan Elkamash were close behind in 1:48.05 and 1:48.66 respectively. The final for race will be held tomorrow.

Christopher Reid took the 100m backstroke semi-finals by storm, racing ahead of the pack with an Olympic Qualification time of 53.23, over two seconds ahead of Jacques van Wyk in 55.93 and Ricky Ellis in 55.97. The final of the event will be held tomorrow.

Mariella Venter, Jessica Ashley-Cooper and Nathania van Niekerk topped the 100m backstroke semi-finals in 1:00.97, 1:02.36 and 1:02.69 respectively, closing in on the Olympic requirement of 1:00.25, while in the 100m breaststroke semi-finals Tara Nicholas was fastest in 1:08.68 ahead of Tatjana Schoenmaker in 1:08.72 and Franco Jonker in 1:08.79.

Both race finals will take place tomorrow.

The gold in the 100m butterfly went to Marne Erasmus in 59.92, while Vanessa Mohr grabbed the silver in 1:00.34 and Rene Warnes the bronze in 1:01.48, as Caitlin Kat was victorious in the 400m freestyle in 4:20.19 ahead of Kristin Bellingan in 4:20.38 and Kate Beavon in 4:23.26.

Six Paralympic Qualifying times were added to the list when Craig Groenewald posted 1:12.33 in the SB14 100m breaststroke race, while Kevin Paul (SB9) and Johann van Heerden (SB9) made the time in 1:05.10 and 1:12.64 respectively.

Alani Ferreira (SB13) bettered her heats time by over three seconds when she touched the wall with a Paralympic Qualification time of 1:26.90 in the 100m breaststroke and added the 400m freestyle to her list when she finished with a new African Record and Paralympic qualification time of 5:21.00 during the morning heats session.

The previous record was held by Marike Naude and stood at 5:21.81 from 2011.

Emily Gray (S9) also swam the 400m freestyle heats and raced to a Paralympic qualification time of 5:05.36.

In the S14 and S15 100m breaststroke multi-disability event, the gold medal was claimed by Maritza Snyder in 1:41.82 ahead of Michaela Kretzen in 1:48.97 and Cornelia Fowler in 1:50.74.

The day 03 heats will start at 10h00 while the finals will begin at 18h30 daily.

The staging of this event has been made possible through the support provided by Swimming SA partners, Sport and Recreation South Africa, SASCOC, Arena, Rand Water and the National Lotteries Commission.

Olympic Qualifying Times following Day 02:

Sebastien Rousseau – 400m individual medley – 4:14.75
Michael Meyer – 400m individual medley – 4:15.71
Myles Brown – 400m freestyle – 3:48.86
Cameron van der Burgh – 100m breaststroke – 59.66
Christopher Reid – 100m backstroke (SF) – 53.23
Chad le Clos – 200m freestyle (SF) – 1:47.88

Paralympic Qualifying Times following Day 02:

Kevin Paul (SM10) – 200m individual medley – 2:15.78
Kevin Paul (SB9) – 100m breaststroke – 1:05.10
Johann van Heerden (SB9) – 100m breaststroke – 1:12.64
Alani Ferreira (SM13) – 200m individual medley – 2:50.43
Alani Ferreira (S13) – 400m freestyle – 5:21.00 (heats)
Alani Ferreira (SB13) – 100m breaststroke – 1:26.90
Emily Gray (S9) – 400m freestyle – 5:05.36 (heats)
Craig Groenewald (SB14) – 100m breaststroke – 1:12.33

*SF – Semi-Final

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Flame brought to life at site of ancient Games before setting off on Olympic Torch Relay that will cross Greece, Switzerland and Brazil.

“Rio is ready to deliver history. Let’s live this dream together”

Rio 2016 President Carlos Nuzman in Olympia

“The torch relay will spread the message of our shared humanity to all people of the beautiful country of Brazil, a nation that is built on the idea that its strength comes from uniting all of its cultural richness”

Thomas Bach, IOC President

“We in Brazil understand our responsibility as guardians of this Olympic Flame. We promise to deliver, to stage Games that will unite and inspire the world”

Carlos Arthur Nuzman, Rio 2016 President

A symbol of peace

The relay

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