Splash Champs

Mwansa Katjiuongua
From the 29th of September to the 1st of October, the National swimming competition was held in Swakopmund. The championships were very intense, tough as well as a great experience for our Namibian swimmers to become better. Having participated on such a high level definitely built our swimmers and helped them gain experience and new techniques. On the other hand, this was an opportunity for swimmers all around the world to learn from one another, for example, teaching each other more effective ways to do a back stroke, dive or relay. Moreover, it gives me great honour to say that two Windhoek Gymnasium learners qualified for the Nationals. The two boys: Jureck Johannesson and Heinrich Burger, represented Namibia at the global event with a few other swimmers from different schools who form the Namibian team.

The atmosphere around the event was very supportive due to a large amount of parents, friends, coaches and the different cheers from the crowd. The swimmers were very nervous, even though the ones that competed are professional swimmers. The two boys from our school represented Namibia and brought back excellent results. They won medals and the team lifted Namibia to the top 5 best overall teams. Heinrich said that the competition was tough, but that he worked hard throughout the season and he couldn't wait for the day to come. Jureck was a bit calmer than all the other swimmers.

The Athletes’ Representative, Ju-Ané Oberholzer, who unfortunately couldn't attend the event due to her having a life‑saving course delivered a speech with very encouraging, motivating words. She said, "This is the weekend you've trained so hard for and made so many sacrifices for. What is important is to know your race. What's important is how much effort you are willing to put into an event." She ended her introduction with words by Marva Collins: "Success doesn't come to you, you go to it." She then proceeded to say that "everyone's goals differ, some aim for gold, others for Victor/Victrix and some even just want to achieve a personal best. Whatever it is, make sure that every time you finish an event, you know you gave it your all and that you have nothing else to give. Regret comes too late! No matter how great or how bad this weekend goes, always be thankful for the responsibility and opportunity each and every one of you have in being here today and being able to compete." Ju-Ané concluded by saying: "I wouldn't say anything is impossible, I think that everything is possible as long as you put your mind, work and time into it," a well-known quote by Michael Phelps.

All in all, qualifying for and participating in a national competition brings great acknowledgements to Namibia as a country. The swimmers enjoyed the experience very much and they cannot wait to start training for next year's competition. Some comments from the swimmers were: “I beat my personal record today”; and “I'm happy the water wasn't cold!”; “All of the other athletes were super nice”; “This was the best I've performed all year.”

As a result we can say that the National championships really are important for swimmers to take part in because it builds them to become stronger swimmers in the future. I'll end off with a saying for those who do not swim for sport: "if you think your sport is hard, try doing it while holding your breath".