Gabby swims to victory

At just 13 years old, Gabriella Paton Dorasami (Gabby) is already making a name for herself in the swimming community.
With 23 races under her belt, this young athlete showcases incredible talent and a passion for the water that runs deep.

Recently, Gabby participated in the prestigious Midmar Mile, where she swam twice in one day and bested her time by an impressive 10 minutes, covering a distance of 3.2km. She also placed second in her 1.5km race at Sterkfontein, which she describes as a beautiful experience amid stunning scenery.

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Reflecting on her journey, Gabriella said, “The Sterkfontein race was the most beautiful and memorable. The water was clear, and you could almost see the bottom.”

Gabby’s love for swimming began at an early age. “I’ve always loved the water.” This early fascination sparked a journey that would lead her to become a competitive swimmer.

Her first race was a milestone moment for her. “I felt phenomenal, I was excited and proud of myself when I finished. I couldn’t believe I swam that far.”

Among Gabby’s inspirations is fellow swimmer Tatjana Smith, whose achievements fuel her ambition. “Tatjana is a big inspiration for me because of what she has achieved in swimming. I aspire to be like her. She also loves Jesus, just like me.”.

One of Gabby’s favourite swimming memories is a recent victory in an open water race in Olifantsfontein, where she won the 1.5km event in her age category. “That was my first time winning. Even though I swam for fun, I still won.”

Her typical training routine is a testament to her dedication. Gabby swims at her school twice a week before dawn, participates in afternoon training sessions, and spends Monday evenings with her swim club. Fridays are reserved for inter-school galas, while weekends often find her competing in open-water events with her squad, Sphere Swim School.

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Balancing school and swimming comes with its challenges, but Gabby has developed a successful strategy. “I complete my homework at aftercare, right after swimming.
“For projects and assignments, I usually work on them at home before bed. My parents ensure that weekends are reserved for fun, except during exam season.”

Gabby’s most memorable race to date was the Midmar 50th Anniversary race. “It was funny and memorable because my parents forgot about me at the finish line, thinking I would take longer than expected. I had to walk back to find them while they were looking for me with binoculars.”

To handle the pressure and nerves that come before a race, she turns to prayer. “I pray for peace of mind and heart. I dedicate each race as a gratitude to God for the opportunity to participate.”

For those just starting their swimming journey, Gabriella offers this advice: “Please don’t give up even when the water looks scary; swim for fun.”

Support from friends and family is what pushed her to success. “My family always makes time for me and is present at my competitions. There’s always someone waiting for me with a towel at the finish line… except for that one time at Midmar.”

With dreams of following in the footsteps of her role models and a solid support system behind her, the future looks bright for this young swimmer.

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