South Africa’s top performing swimmer Lara van Niekerk is dominating headlines as she continues to shatter barriers globally.
The 19-year-old, who was recently announced as part of the squad that will represent the country at the Commonwealth Games, has had an impeccable year so far which has seen her become a familiar face on podiums across various swimming competitions.
One of her outstanding achievements was when she raced to gold in the 50m breaststroke event in a meeting record at the first leg of the Mare Nostrum series in Monaco in May.
The series was van Niekerk’s first-ever senior international meeting and certainly one that will go down as her career highlight.
Currently in Europe, van Niekerk says she is training and learning from swimmers and coaches from an international standard as she prepares to take on some of the world’s best in Birmingham.
Speaking with Celine Abrahams, van Niekerk chats about dealing with attention with her new-found fame and shares a message to young girls in honour of Youth Month.
Lara, congratulations on your inclusion in the Team South Africa squad for the 2022 Commonwealth Games. How does it feel having the opportunity to represent the country in Birmingham?
It feels amazing. I have always wanted to go to the Commonwealth Games, so I am very excited. I love representing my country and making everyone proud by doing that.
How are your preparations going at the moment?
My preparations are going very well! I have been in Europe for the past month training, racing and learning new things from swimmers and coaches all over the world. I raced in 3 Mare Nostrum galas and after that we came to Turkey for the final preparations before heading to World Champs that will start the 18th of June.
What are you looking forward to at the Games?
Definitely getting to race, represent my country and meeting new people.
Looking at the squad, which young girls are you excited to see competing?
Pretty much all of the girls. We are a strong group of girls going so I think every race will be exciting to watch.
This year you have been outstanding in the pool, which has seen you compete as a senior for the very first time on the international stage. Please tell us about this step up in your career and how you are handling your new challenges.
It’s a big step up. The hard work is only starting now, and I love all the new challenges coming my way and I am learning a lot from each challenge.
With your medal-winning achievements, it comes with new-found exposure. How are dealing with the media attention and people starting to recognize you?
At first it was very different having all the media attention and interviews, but I have learned to love each interview and dealing well with it now.
To follow up on the previous question, have you received any advice from other senior swimmers on how you can manage the fame that comes with being world known athlete?
No, I have not. I am working with someone who helps me to not get overwhelmed in any situations.
Looking at the competitions you have taken part in so far this year, what would you say has been a standout moment for you and why?
I would say SA Nationals was a big standout because I surprised myself with the times I swam and breaking my African record again. The Mare Nostrum galas were also a big standout for winning a few medals on international level and swimming against some of the best in the world.
As we honour Youth Month, what advice would you share to other young girls who are striving to pave their way in sport?
Never give up! Your time will come, and some days will be hard, but the good days will be unforgettable.
Lastly, what is your greatest ambition?
Answer: I want to be an Olympian.
Photo 1 Caption: South Africa’s top performing swimmer Lara van Niekerk is dominating headlines as she continues to shatter barriers globally. Photo: Supplied
(0 rating, 0 votes, rated)
Loading...
