Butterfly strokes of triumph
LINDEN – Ruth Neale opens up about her plans to win big in the pool.
Ruth Neale (13) achieved top ranks at the Central Gauteng Aquatics (CGA) Senior Short Course Championships.
This was her first senior CGA short course which was held at the Wahoo Aquatic Centre on 31 July.
Neale said she started swimming with her mother when she was still a baby. “In Grade 1, I swam my first gala for Northcliff Primary School,” she said.
She added that she is constantly motivated to do the sport because of her love and need to be in the water.
At the championships, she achieved ninth place in the 50m freestyle and 10th in the 50m butterfly. Neale said that the competition was fierce. “Though I really enjoyed it,” she said.
The young swimmer who is coached by Penny Quinlan at the Linrand Swimming Club in Linden, said she hopes to one day turn swimming into a fruitful career. Neale excitedly added that she looks forward to watching the Olympic swimming.
Neale explained that what she most loves about the sport is the enthusiasm of her club and she also enjoys being competitive. “The sport has taught me to never give up and persevere through hard times because there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.” She also recalled how at times would fall short but that never meant giving up on her goals.
In the past five weeks, Neale has competed in four galas and will compete again in September after she has worked hard at training through the month of August.
Neale’s hopes are to one day win the 50m, 100m and the 200m butterfly like her hero, Chad Le Clos, who she said has inspired her most. She praised her mother and father for being her biggest motivators.
To young girls out there doubting themselves and whether they should follow their passions, Neale concluded with sentiments she hoped would inspire them. “I would encourage them to hang in there and to keep trying their best. ”
Details:Linrand Swimming Club, mwpennyq@mweb.co.za or 083 955 2344.
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