Park Hill woman swims to the challenge
When she completed the swim, she was shocked that she could finally say that she has a medal to her name.
“ACHIEVING a goal, no matter how long it takes you, is absolutely possible,” says Rose Mshengu, a housekeeper in Durban North who recently swam the Capital K Open Water Swim.
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Learning to swim has always been something 57-year-old Mshengu has wanted to do, so when her employer, Shelly Seid, asked her to attend swimming lessons, she didn’t hesitate.
You won’t believe it, but it took 15 years of perseverance before Mshengu finally swam the 1km, something that had been on her bucket list for a long time.
“Learning how to swim and completing the Capital K Open Water Swim is something I am so proud of. It’s been 15 years in the making, but I finally did it. The best part is, it’s something I’ve done for myself. I feel we all need a hobby or to do something for ourselves,” she said.
Her coach is Ruth-Mare Smith, owner of Elizabeth Smith Swim School, who has been Mshengu’s motivation, never giving up on her even when she gave up on herself at times.
“I attempted the Midmar 1km before and didn’t complete it. It demotivated me, and I wasn’t sure if I wanted to carry on with swimming. One day, I woke up and said, ‘I am doing this.’ I dedicated my entire being to training and finally accomplished my goal,” said Mshengu.
When she completed the swim, she was shocked that she could finally say that she has a medal to her name.
“I had been practising with Elizabeth for about six months before, but on the day, I had some doubt. When I looked back and saw that I had completed the swim, I felt proud,” she said.
“Anyone can experience trouble in the pool at home. At least now, I’ll know what to do,” she added.
Swimming is not something Mshengu said she was recommended to learn while growing up, but now, she advises everyone to learn, no matter how old they are as it also serves as exercise.
But wait, that’s not all. Mshengu is now training to swim the aQuelle Midmar Mile next year, something she has had her heart set on for a long time coming.
“I know I can do this, too. Please, if there is something you want to do, go out and do it,” she said.
“I’d like to thank Shelly and Ruth for believing in me and never giving up on me,” she added.
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