Talented Fourways swimmer is set to represent South Africa
FOURWAYS – A young swimmer has been called to represent the country in the SA Youth squad for 2020/2021 is earmarked for participation in all national swimming competitions.
A Fourways teen is a step closer to achieving his dream after news came of his selection to the South African Youth squad for his excellent swimming.
Fifteen-year-old Jarden Eaton, who has dreamed of becoming a professional swimmer since the age of seven, described feeling incredibly excited at the news of making the youth squad.
“I was just getting ready for my day when my dad sent me the good news.
“I was overwhelmed and excited as this is my greatest achievement to date, I smiled at myself in the mirror and then thanked God for giving me this talent and His favour,” he recalled.
Jarden is a part of the Crusaders Swimming Club and his main strokes are freestyle and butterfly in which he has achieved national standard selection. He has represented Gauteng for the past three years from 2017 to 2019.
The SA squad selection is based on fastest times in each age group for every swimming season. A monitoring process in which the selection of the fastest swimmers in a season is conducted by Swimming SA.
The swimmer who is home-schooled said the change from being enrolled in a normal school had made training a little easier.
“It’s [managing school and training] been tough as both are very tough and demanding. Home school has however made it a little bit easier for me to put a huge amount of effort and commitment into swimming.”
With the nationwide lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, usual training has not been able to take place. However, Jarden said the team had accommodated for the changes by setting up Zoom calls during lockdown where they were able to do physical training.
While Jarden mentioned God and his teammates for their continued support, he also listed notable swimmers as his source of inspiration.
“My inspiration comes from guys who walked the path before me like Chad le Clos, Michael Phelps and Michael Andrew, they inspire me to do my best at every opportunity. I’m motivated by the opportunity to represent our country and the potential of one day achieving a gold medal at the Olympics, Fina World Championships, Commonwealth Games, Cana [African Swimming Confederation] and all other international and local competitions.”
