Charl dives into world champs
Local swimmer, Charl Crous, is excited for the World Short Course Champs in December.
THE passion and commitment Charl Crous has for swimming is unrivaled as he will compete with a handful of other strong South African contenders in the World Short Course Championships in Qatar.
His received his first taste of competitive swimming when he was 10, but his determination to learn how to swim started soon after a near drowning experience at friend’s birthday party.
At 12-years-old he took part in his first junior championships and took fourth place in all five of his races. “After that I was more determined than ever to improve and the next year I took home eight medals,” said Charl.
“I remember watching the Athens Olympics back in 2004 and when I watched the South African team win gold and break the world record in the 4x100m freestyle relay, that was when I knew swimming was my sport. It showed us what we can achieve and it was a great moment for the youth of swimming as it proved that anything was possible,” said Charl.
At the World Short Course, he will compete in the 50m and 100m backstroke and he is hoping to qualify to swim in the 4x100m medley relay event. “I’m trying to get into freestyle and become more versatile and race as much as I can,” he said.
As for his training sessions, during summer he trains four morning sessions a week, five afternoon sessions as well as three gym training sessions. While he does not stick to a strict diet as he eats what he craves, but in moderation, the healthy eating does kick in three weeks before a competition. His first dream was to take part in the Olympics, which he achieved when he qualified for the 2012 Olympic Games in London. His dreams have grown since then and he is now aiming to medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics. “Next year is the long course champs and in the next few years I am to swim consistently and improve my times and ranking as I don’t want to become a one hit wonder,” said Charl.
His life goal is to one day become a swimming coach and his commitment to seeing the sport grow from strength to strength in South Africa is clearly visible. “I encourage people of any age to learn to swim, whether they are confident in the water or not. They shouldn’t be discouraged, there are a lot of swimming schools out there that are willing to help,” said Charl.
Humble to the core, Charl has dedicated all of his achievements and future successes to his late grandfather, Fanie Van Zyl. “I would just like to thank my parents who have made numerous sacrifices for me and who have been so supportive of me throughout my swimming career. Without them nothing would have been possible, but they have made it so. I would also like to thank my sponsors Mr Price, Virgin Active, Kauai and Cipla Nutrition,” said Charl.
