Local swimmers compete in Special Olympics
Two local swimmers achieve their dream of competing internationally at the World Summer Special Olympic Games.
“TRAIN hard every day and be better,” – these are the words of advice from two local swimmers who competed in the World Summer Special Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Karl Hebbelmann and Cornelia Fowler were two of the eight swimmers chosen to represent South Africa in the games, which took place from 25 July to 2 August.
In total, South Africa sent 68 athletes to the games who competed in multiple sporting codes.
The Special Olympics is an international organisation that changes lives through the power of sports by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities, promoting acceptance for all and fostering communities of understanding and respect worldwide.
For Karl, it was his first time competing in the world summer games and he returned home with a bronze medal for the 400m freestyle swimming race.
“I was very excited to win my first prize,” said Karl.
He trains every afternoon with the Seagulls at Lahee Park. He looks up to Chad le Clos as inspiration and has had the pleasure of meeting Chad on several occasions.
“Swimming is fun. Training is a lot of work, I get tired sometimes but it’s made me more confident,” added Karl.
However, this was her second time competing in the summer games for Cornelia, who won a gold medal in the 100m breaststroke race.
“I went to Greece to compete in the Summer Olympics in 2011. This was my second time and my favourite trip. It felt good winning,” said Cornelia.
Cornelia began swimming in high school and, as an overweight teenager, swimming helped her to get fit physically but also boost her confidence.
“I train every day at St Mary’s swimming pools. In summer, I swim in their top pool because it’s cooler. In winter I train in their bottom pool because it’s heated,” said Cornelia.
Karl’s father, Mike Hebbelmann, and Cornelia’s mother, Ina Fowler, accompanied the star swimmers to Los Angeles.
“We were the only South Africans there to support our team and we went to every race to cheer on our kids,” said Mike.
