Yellowwood Park swimming ace to represent SA
Reuben’s biggest goal is to swim in the open water Olympics in 2020
A talented Yellowwood Park resident will represent South Africa at a world championship swimming event in September.
15-year-old Reuben Schoeman will jet off to Hungary for the Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA) world junior open water swimming championships in Balatonfured, Hungary from 5 to 7 September. “I feel great about representing my country. This is a big opportunity and a new experience,” said Schoeman.
Reuben was selected for the South African swimming team when he finished in the top two at the South African open water championships in February.
The grade 9 Glenwood High School pupil started swimming in grade 3. “When I was younger a coach said I have talent so I decided to join a club.” It was at Trident Swim Club, where under coach Eugene Hulley, Reuben perfected his swimming. Schoeman is no stranger to swimming success at the 2011 regionals in Bloemfontein, he scooped ten gold medals and one silver medal and finished first overall in the U13 and O30 categories at last year’s Midmar Mile. Reuben prefers long distance swimming events such as the 1,500m, 5km and 3km.
The regional gold medallist has support from his parents, Abraham and Amanda, who are always at the waterside cheering him on. “Reuben is very comfortable in the open water and swims at a constant pace. He is committed too, when it comes to training and never complains or takes a day off,” said Abraham Schoeman.
The teenager trains at Kings Park Swimming Pool twice-a-day with swimming coach, Alisdair Hatfield. “My advice to other swimmers is to never give up, even in hard times and especially when things go wrong,” said Schoeman.
Reuben’s biggest goal is to swim in the open water Olympics in 2020. For now, he is focused on doing well in Hungary. “I hope for a good swim and I’m aiming for a top 20 position,” he said.
