Today meet fresh, hungry and very dedicated young champion swimmer, Zane Waddell. A young man with a deep passion and drive not only to succeed in sports, but also to impact and make a difference in the world through his sports. His faith in is Lord Jesus is an anchor in his life. He is also a firm believer in the value of education, and is on his way to go and be a young leader and influencer at the University of Alabama in the USA, this August. He says “I see myself as a dedicated, no hassle person. I am a very easy person and I get work done”. We would like to wish him all the very best for the new chapter and journey ahead – once again a fine and very proudly South African “export” on the move.
Athlete: Bio / Stats |
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| Name & Surname | Zane Waddell |
| Nick Name | Zane |
| Date of birth | 18/03/98 |
| Place of birth | Margate, KZN |
| Current City | Bloemfontein |
| Height | 192cm |
| Weight | 82kgs |
| Shoe Size | 12.5 |
| Club | Bloemfontein Seals |
| Coach’s Name | Simon Gray |
| Out of Country events | Youth Commonwealth Games, Youth African zone 5 games. |
| Secondary Sports | None |
| Favorite City | Auckland, New Zealand |
| Favorite Song/ type of music | Come with me now – Kongos.
I listen to all types of music, i.e. Jazz, Blues, Classical |
| Favorite Movie | |
| School & Grade | Grey College, Done with school |
| Tertiary Inst Name/ Year | University of Alabama / 2016 |
| Instagram, Facebook | Instagram – zanewaddell1998
Facebook – Zane Waddell |
| Parents Names, siblings | Mom – Nadine, Father – Albert, Sister – Amber |
INTERVIEW:
Q: You are passionate and doing so well in your swimming tell me a little bit about how you started in swimming and your journey in the swimming arena up to now?
I initially started swimming just to become water safe and then everything progressed from there, but it was only in grade 8 that I realized that I could be good at this.
Q: What is the highest accolade that you have achieved in swimming and what is your greatest personal accomplishment?
My highest accolade would definitely have to be my gold medals at the Youth Commonwealth Games, that would also be my greatest personal accomplishment.
Q: You did brilliantly last year at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Samoa, Congrats! How did you experience that? General observations? Lessons learned?
It was an amazing experience to race against some of the best swimmers in the world. One thing I noticed is that South Africans seem rougher than the other nations which is a good thing. I learnt to always keep my head on my shoulders and that swimming at that level is 90% mental.
Q: I believe you will be joining the University of Alabama this year. Do you want to share a little about these plans?
Yes, I have committed to going to the University of Alabama, to go and swim with the Crimson Tide. I will be leaving August 2016.
Q: In your opinion, what is the value of Education in a young person’s life?
I have been brought up, getting taught that you always have to have a plan B. So my degree will act as my plan B in the case that I get a career ending injury.
Q: Would you like to share a little bit more about your faith journey and how it has affected your life / sports?
Being a Christian has been a roller coaster ride for me, but having recently moved to CRC I think I have found my match and I am absolutely loving it. I could never have done any of this without Christ my Lord.
Q: What do you do to relax?
I play computer games such as, Dota 2, Ark : Survival evolved and the forest.
Q: What is your personal favourite motivational quote?
Seize the day, by the throat.
Q: What is your favourite Bible Scripture?
Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Q: What is your biggest challenge, and what do you do to manage this challenge?
My biggest challenge would be staying focused, because I have a busy mind. I’m not quite sure how I manage this.
Q: In your opinion, how do you define success in life / how do you define a successful person?
Success is determined by the amount of good you have done, not by the amount of goods you have.
Q: What’s your WHY?
I do this because I love it and I honour God through using the talents he has blessed me with. I want to be able to do good and change lives through my swimming.
Q: What is your message of encouragement to our youth in SA and globally?
Keep grinding the grind, nothing comes easy to anyone, IT IS TOUGH.
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.
