Swimming icon, Penny Heyns, is back home from America after being honoured by the International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) at a star-studded gathering in Fort Lauderdale, Florida two weeks ago.
Speaking to gsport today, Heyns admitted that she found out about her induction quite by chance.
“They (ISHOF) sent out a letter to the International Coaches Association, and one of the coaches from Namibia phoned to congratulate me.”
It’s the first time in 22 years that a South African swimmer has been inducted in the International Swimming Hall of Fame, and Penny has admitted it was quite overwhelming.
“Only once I was there that I realised it takes a lot before you get inducted. Its not just because of Olympic achievement, your peers have to nominate you, so it’s a great honour.”
The occasion also gave Heyns an opportunity to meet some of her personal heroes.
“There were a lot of people I grew up admiring, who were inductees themselves and who were present,” said Heyns.
“To be in that company meant a lot and then obviously, one gets used to South African functions and being recognised in South Africa. To be recognised internationally is quite different,” she concluded.
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