Dedicated to swimming

When asked to describe herself in one word, swimming coach Dominique Donner smiles into her cappuccino and says “passionate”.
Then she quickly shakes her head and says “Ah, no, everyone uses that word. How about dedicated?”
Both words are accurate descriptions of the Cape Town native who relocated to Ballito 10 years ago.
Donner, a former national triathlete and Olympic 2000 squad member, said she learnt to swim after getting into a pool “by accident”.
“I jumped into a pool, splashed around and loved it. Swimming is a critical life skill I think everybody should have. Learning to be safe in water is important to teach from around 18 months old. You never know what situation you might have to save yourself from.”
After an admirable triathlon career Donner joined Seals Swimming Club, at Ashton International College (then Seaforth College) coaching a handful of young swimmers.
The academy has since moved to Umhlali Preparatory School and Donner coaches 80 swimmers, assisted by SA swimming champion Mark Randall.
“The North Coast has some serious swimming talent and there is no greater joy for me than to see my students excel. As an athlete I have been in their shoes, so I have so much to pass on to them.”
Donner also coaches underprivileged children through her role as the South African consultant for the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation.
She has facilitated clinics for children from Summer Hill House and is currently working with LIV Village in Verulam.
Donner said there are plans to move the senior squad coaching to Curro Mount Richmore in the new year.
“All I am about is taking these swimmers to the highest possible level, by giving them the right foundation. I am really hoping we find the next Chad Le Clos right here in Ballito!”