Local swimmer’s determination rewarded with opportunity at World Champs
After some struggling performances in 2018, one of Pretoria's most promising young swimmers relaunched her career this year with new energy and perspective and she will this month be in action in two major international championships.
The stats will indicate that the Tuks swimmer Nathania van Niekerk has qualified to represent South Africa at the World University Games in Italy and World Championships in Korea, but mere numbers will never tell a story of dedication and perseverance.
After last year’s Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, there was a stage where Van Niekerk was seriously contemplating to quit competitive swimming as she was truly down and out. The pressure to comply with what she perceived to be the expectations of people had worn her down.
During the Games, she had finished fourth in her 200m-backstroke heat in a time of 2:16.07, which was more than four seconds off her personal best time. She fared slightly better in the 100m-backstroke qualifying for the semi-final, but then ended up finishing last in her race.
Luckily for South African swimming, the 20-year old had an honest discussion with Rocco Meiring, head coach at TuksSwimming, after the Games in which she explained her frustrations and disappointments and why she thought she is not able to continue.
Meiring, for whom merely giving up is never an option, convinced her to have a rethink as he believed that she was not even close to fulfilling her true potential. He must have said the right words as it got Van Niekerk to resume her training.
Her dedication paid off. Not only did she win the 200m-backstroke during the South African Championships in Durban. She also had set a new personal best time of 2:11.37 qualifying to compete at the World Championships in Gwangiu, South Korea (12-28 July) as well as the World Student Games in Napoli, Italy (3-14 July).
The last time she came close to being that fast was in 2016 when she swam 2:11.53, just missing out in qualifying for the Rio Olympic Games.
According to Van Niekerk it was, in hindsight, a blessing that she did not get to compete at the Olympic Games.
“If I had it certainly would have been the end of my swimming career as I don’t think at the age of 16, I would have been emotionally strong enough to handle the pressure of being an Olympian,” she explained.
However, representing South Africa at the Junior Commonwealth Games was a highlight for her as she was competing against equals.
“I think it is vital that junior female athletes should be allowed to progress through the age-group ranks as it a sure way to keep them in the sport,” she said.
Van Niekerk is realistic about her goals.
“At first, my main goal was to try and medal at the World Student Games, but when I also qualified for the World Championships, it meant I had to adjust my plans. The plan is not to taper down for the World Student Games. I view it as part of my preparation for the World Championships,” said Van Niekerk before her departure to Italy.
As far as the World Championships is concerned, her only goal will be to try and see how close she can come to qualifying for next year’s Olympics in Tokyo.
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