St Mary School, Waverly swimmer Maya Mgcina is honoured to be selected to be part of the Swimming South Africa (SSA) high performance youth squad.

This prestigious achievement recognises swimmers, aged 14 to 18, who have attained over 700 aquatic points, meaning they have managed certain qualifying times in races they have participated in.

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“After months of hard work and dedication, receiving the news that I made the squad was an incredible moment,” Maya said.

“I felt proud, honoured, and even more determined to represent my country at a higher level.”

Her most recent accolades include receiving medals at both the South African National Junior Championships and the Region 5 Youth Games in Namibia. The athlete began swimming competitively at the tender age of ten years.

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“At first, it was something fun to do, but I quickly fell in love with the water. I loved how every race felt like a chance to challenge myself and see how far I could go. That feeling of pushing past my limits is what really hooked me.”

One of the biggest challenges Maya faces is maintaining a balance between schoolwork and training, especially during competition season.

“I’ve learned to manage my time carefully, and stay disciplined with my routine. Early mornings and long sessions can be tough, but my passion for swimming and the support from my coaches and family keep me motivated.”

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