SA Paralympic swimmer on working on a strong mentally for international competitions

The Team South Africa flag bearer at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris has previously won five medals in the World Para Swimming Championships. 

Speaking to SABC Sport, Swanepoel says preparations for international events take place long before the months leading up to the competition. 

"It's everything, one of things that a lot of people don't realise is if you are committing towards Olympics or Paralympics, you are not committing to a year or six months, it's a full programme,” Swanepoel said.  

“So, in that year, obviously now that we are far away from competition in training I will build the base and the strength and then typically just before we go into competition we start lowering the training loads so that our body recovers.  

“There is always work to be done, improving technique, getting everything finetuned. It's holding on to the goal and when you are getting tired of the six day a week training on top of working full time and you're wondering why I'm doing this, it's to hold on to that goal.  

“So, I think the physical is massive and also everything that you do outside of the pool, your diet, your recovery, that. But the mental is what gets you through and gets you through to the finish line." 

READ: National Champs not only about records - Kat Swanepoel

The occupational therapist works with clients of all ages and says she is always encouraging young athletes to have fun while competing. 

“I think for me and I think that's what helps my mindset to be able to overcome setbacks and challenges is finding the joy in what you are doing, she added.

“I think if you are doing it just for the records or for those external things it's very easy to, when your path sort of goes astray to give up but I think if you are doing it just because you love it and for the joy, you will always do it no matter what's going on in your life."