Brescia House athlete makes last splash
For Rachel Meyburgh, the next dive will be different. It will carry the pride of representing South Africa, the excitement of a junior world championships, and the bittersweet knowledge that it will be her last.
For most athletes, the end of a sporting career is something they imagine only in the distant future.
For 17-year-old Rachel Meyburgh, that moment has arrived much sooner than expected. The Brescia House School learner is currently in Rijeka, Croatia representing South Africa at the World Aquatics Junior Diving Championships 2026, running from August 21 to 28, but while the prestigious championships represent the fulfilment of Rachel’s dream, they also carry a bittersweet moment.
She will be saying her final goodbye to a sport that has been part of her life since Grade 8. A sport that has given her achievements, challenges, friendships, and memories she will carry long after her final dive. “This is actually going to be my last competition. After Rijeka I’ll be focusing on going to university and starting a new chapter.”
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Her journey into aquatics began in Grade 8 when a friend introduced her into the sport. What kept her coming back, however, was not only the thrill of competition. “What I love most about the sport is all the friendships I’ve made through it. Everyone is so supportive of each other, and the camps and trips we go on as a team have given me so many lifelong memories.”
She added that representing SA on the national stage is something she does not take for granted. “Representing South Africa at a junior world championships is something I’ve worked towards for a long time. Finding out that I had made the team was a really exciting feeling. I was excited for the opportunity, but also definitely a little nervous about what was ahead.”
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Her achievements do not end there. Rachel was recently awarded the Victrix Ludorum Award at the 2026 Junior Nationals. “Winning Victrix Ludorum was a great confidence boost going into the rest of the year. I’m probably most proud of the performance, where I felt like I was really able to stay focused and execute my dives the way I had been training them, especially under the pressure of competition.”
Rachel said balancing school and the sport has been challenging, but having people who understand how demanding both are played a role in getting her where she is. “My family, coach, and friends have all played a really big role. My coach has pushed me to improve and believed in myself, while my family and friends have supported me through all the highs and lows. I’m really grateful for the friends I’ve made through diving, because they understand the sport and everything that comes with it.”
She added that she is looking forward to creating memories she will carry for the rest of her life at the world championships, as her love affair with the sport comes to an end.
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