SWIMMERS from the Olive Tree Swimming Club in Wentworth had a life-changing experience when they were afforded the rare opportunity of an exclusive training clinic with four-time Olympic medallist Chad le Clos at the King’s Park Pool on September 29.

Also read: WATCH: Austerville Swimming Pool finally reopens

Le Clos, who was in Durban, competing at the South African Short Course Championships, took time to inspire some young swimmers in the pool alongside coach Wayne Riddin. The move marked the beginning of a series of swimming clinics provided by the Chad le Clos Foundation for the year.

Le Clos added that it brings a smile on his face as he has always loved being in the water with the future generation of swimmers.

“This is just the start of many great things to come. We started small, but we’re really going to scale this up big time next year. We just want to give back, making sure it’s enjoyable and encouraging for them,” said le Clos.

Jesse Smith (16), one of the swimmers who attended the clinic, described it as a fun and educational clinic.

“I was very excited to meet Chad because I’ve have never met anyone famous. Not only is he a good swimmer but an Olympic winner representing South Africa, and this makes it so special,” said Jesse.

Jesse accentuated the essential skills he covered that will bring an enormous difference in their routine. “The smallest changes in swimming make big differences in your time and how fast you are, so my technique definitely got sharpened today,” said Jesse.

The meeting was extra special for Olive Tree Swimming Club coach Lucia Ruiters, who started the club to get the youth active in sport and steer them away from the drugs and violence in Wentworth.

“I’ve had sleepless nights for two days leading up to the clinic because this is like a dream. This was a big thing for the girls and me since we’ve watched Chad over the years and admired how he swims so powerfully,” said Ruiters.

She further said that she was optimistic the clinic would leave an indelible mark on the swimmers. “We really feel blessed and honoured to be associated with him. I feel that our club has the next Chad in the making,” said Ruiters.

Ruiters is hoping this clinic will be the starting point for a new wave of swimmers emanating from Wentworth’s Olive Tree Swimming Club.

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