St Mary’s School, Waverly learner aims to represent SA in the Olympics
Zalika Methula enjoys being involved in water activities and began diving at age nine.
St Mary’s School, Waverly learner Zalika Methula recently flew the SA flag high in Doha by competing in her third senior world aquatics championships.
Zalika explained that Doha was memorable and she would do anything to go back and relive the experience.
“What made Doha special was seeing the improvement I have made mentally from my first world champs experience. I have been working with a sports psychologist and together we are aiming to achieve the best performance for me mentally. I believe to perform at your absolute best as an athlete, you must have a strong mentality.”
The first championship was in Budapest and the second in Japan.
Zanika’s swimming journey began at a young age. “I would involve myself in water activities, whether it be playing a sport, or simply spending a day by the pool. I took one of the toughest decisions of my life by choosing to quit a sport I was talented in to choose a sport that I had no clue about but my curiosity and love for the water drew me into starting diving at the age of nine.”
The difficult part about being an athlete, especially in her last year of school, is balancing school and diving.
“Over the years I have found it difficult to manage the two. I aim to prioritise the important work and make my way through the rest.”
The Grade 12 learner concluded that after her matric year, she would continue her athletic and academic career in the United State of America.
“My biggest goal is to represent SA at the Olympics and continue representing SA at international competitions. By being in the States, I can continue working hard towards my goal while being a student-athlete.”
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