Dreaming of the Olympic Games
Kamalan Naidoo, one of the fastest swimmers in Limpopo, respresented South Africa at the Cana Zone III and IV Swimming Championships in Kampala, Uganda from April 24 to 27.
POLOKWANE – Kamalan Naidoo, one of the fastest swimmers in Limpopo, respresented South Africa at the Cana Zone III and IV Swimming Championships in Kampala, Uganda from April 24 to 27.
Although he did not achieve any podium positions, Kamalan said he was very happy with his performance at the championships, where the top swimmers from 11 African countries competed.
“I improved all my times and aged up a day before the gala,” he explained.
He improved his personal best times in the 50 m breast stroke (33:5), 50 m butterfly (28:7), 100 m backstroke (1:10), 100 m butterfly (1:03) and the 100 m breast stroke (1:14).
Kamalan has been swimming since he was nine years old when he trained with the Supersport Seals. At the age of 11 he joined Eagar Aquatics and was selected for the provincial swimming team.
This year, however, Kamalan was selected to represent the national swimming team.
“My big dream is to represent South Africa at the Olympics, while my short term goal is just to level up,” said Kamalan, who explained that he may have qualified for level three in Uganda.
Kamalan is also a familiar face at the Ebenezer Mile, where he has obtained podium positions over the last two years.
“Open water swimming is a nice challenge. You need to have a strong stroke to complete the Mile in a good time,” said Kamalan.
“I train with Dougie Eagar twice a day, six days a week,” Kamalan explained.
On average, he swims 55km per week while he keeps his eye on the grand prize, an Olympic medal.
