Q&A with a swimming coach
Take part in the weekly parkrun, go swim the Chelmsford, go cycle, go climb that mountain- you’ll be surprised at the deep conversations you have and the things you learn about each other.
With the Chelmsford Challenge just taken place, the Newcastle Advertiser had the opportunity to interview swimming coach, Tharina Peters.
Where did your coaching career begin?
I started coaching in 2002. After years of doing competitive swimming myself, I missed being involved and as my children enjoyed swimming I got involved in coaching. I was asked by Camille Honiball if I would like to coach the Newcastle Swimming Club.
What international success have you gained?
I swam in Swaziland with a South African team. My swimmers have competed at national level, but I’ve never had the privilege of having an international swimmer.
I think Paula van Zyl is the only local resident to have competed internationally in a very long time.
She trains with Amy Fraser, whom I used to coach, so it’s very nice to see that swimming is a sport that keeps on giving.
Were you involved at sports at school level?
I really enjoyed doing all kinds of sport. From athletics, netball, lifesaving but my first love has always been swimming.
What would you say is your biggest success to date?
I competed at national level in both swimming and lifesaving. As a coach I would like to think creating a love for swimming and a passion for the sport would be my greatest accomplishment. The more people that are able to swim and enjoy the sport the better.
What sparked your passion for swimming?
My mom, Beulah van Niekerk, who was a teacher and taught many kids to swim at primary school, made the biggest impact on me. She made sure I swam from a young age. She took me to several galas and to every practice, and sat through hours of practice supporting me. I had a wonderful coach – Malcolm Barclay and he really inspired me to become as excellent coach as he was to me. We also had the blessing of very good lifesaving coaches such as Deon van Vuuren and Raj Ramautar who really instilled discipline, and the love of teaching others and giving to others, into us.
What is your coaching ethos?
I believe in installing a love for the sport. Not just something you do for a short while, but to create a lifelong passion for the sport. That you will still swim when you are 80 years of age and pass that love of swimming down from generation to generation.
What are the benefits of sport and activity?
You get to meet amazing people. It makes you feel wonderful and it’s just so much fun. We all still swim the Chelmsford Challenge and I even taught my husband to swim. We love being an active family and trying different things, and we are always up for a challenge, that way you always have a good story to tell.
Why would you recommend children start with sporting activities at a young age?
I think it’s important that they try all different types of sport, but they must enjoy what they do. Losing is as important as winning, and make sure your kids know that they will always be your number one for trying – no matter in which position they finish. And participate with your kids.
Take part in the weekly parkrun, go swim the Chelmsford, go cycle, go climb that mountain- you’ll be surprised at the deep conversations you have and the things you learn about each other.
ORIGINAL STORY: Swimmers prepare for the Chelmsford Challenge
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