From near-drowning to Open Water champion: James Stevens’ inspiring journey
After a life-changing incident at age five, James Stevens turned fear into passion and is now an 11-year-old head boy and competitive swimmer chasing Olympic dreams.
In 2019, James Stevens had a terrifying experience that changed his life forever. At just five years old, he nearly drowned in a swimming pool.
“My mom rescued me, and I will always be grateful for that,” said James. “She was my lifesaver.”
Following the incident, his mother enrolled him in swimming lessons—a decision that sparked a passion. Today, at 11 years old, James is a dedicated swimmer and has been named the head boy of Calvary Christian College Primary School for 2025.
Balancing his studies and his swimming is no easy task, but James embraces both. “They take up a lot of my time, but I need both to bring balance to my life,” he shared.
James specialises in open-water swimming, competing in dams and lakes. His first Open Water Swim was at Prime View Dam in 2022, at the age of eight, and since then, he’s taken on distances of up to 3km, including the famous Midmar Mile.
“I don’t have any friends who swim the same distances as me,” he admitted. “But swimming keeps me away from my tablet and other things that don’t really help me grow.”
With his parents cheering him on at every finish line, James continues to push his limits. His goals? To become an entrepreneur and one day swim in the Olympic 10km open-water event.
“Swimming teaches you discipline, hard work, and perseverance,” he said. “And that will prepare me for the future.”
James’s journey from a near-tragedy to a triumph is a powerful reminder of courage, determination, and the impact of strong family support.
