Xander Venter (12), from Curro Rivonia, delivered a stand out performance at the Gauteng Schools Swimming Championships, powering his way to victory in the 100m breaststroke despite racing against older competitors.
Lining up against the 13 and 14-year-olds at Hillcrest Swimming Pool in Pretoria from January 30 to 31, Xander said he entered the race unsure of where he might finish.
What followed, however, was a flawless swim that ended with him standing on the top step of the podium.
Read more: Curro Rivonia swimmer survives hell month as he gears up for nationals
“I was ecstatic. I was not sure where I would place because I swam against 13 and 14-year-olds in my heat.”
Xander didn’t experience nerves moments before the race, only focus. “I was ready and focused. I knew at what pace I had to swim and I trusted that would work. The race went exactly as planned due to the training and preparation.”
Xander’s swimming journey began when he was in Grade R at Curro Rivonia. When he was in Grade 4, he trained under coach George du Rand at Rivonia Elite Swimming.
Competing seriously since the age of 10, he quickly found his strength. “I naturally gravitated to breaststroke, and it very quickly became my favourite stroke. I train for about 14 hours a week in the pool, then mostly galas over the weekend.”
One of the biggest challenges he has faced in swimming is chasing the fast, qualifying times for South African National Juniors (SANJ).
Also read: Bryanston Primary School swimmer and an athlete proves champions are made, not born
“The qualifying times are very quick.”
He added that races that don’t go as planned teach him to get up, try again, and train harder, especially with all the support he enjoys. “My mom has been my biggest source of support. She goes with me at every gala with love and support.”
With SA Regional Swimming Championships approaching in March, Xander hopes to achieve SANJ times and place at regionals.
“For now, my goal is to achieve SANJ times, and secure a first-place finish at regionals in March. Hopefully, I’ll make it to the national team before I go to high school.”
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