Swimming SA needs R85 million to prepare team for 2028 and 2032 Olympics

Speaking to SABC Sport in Johannesburg on Thursday, Fritz explained that funding will come from SASCOC, the National Lottery, and headline sponsors.

Bombela Concessions Company has already committed R10 million in a one-year deal with the option to renew.

SSA has included 21 swimmers and one open-water swimmer in the program, with the possibility of expanding the numbers.

Fritz believes that with proper funding, the country’s best-performing Olympic federation can deliver results at upcoming Games.

SSA’s new strategic plan also notes that athlete numbers could increase depending on performances at key events such as the national short-course championships in Pietermaritzburg and next year’s Commonwealth Games in Scotland.

Fritz says the goal is to send a larger team to Los Angeles 2028 than the one that competed in Paris 2024.

"Our National Championships and the Commonwealth Games are the main yardsticks for us to finalize our Olympic strategy."

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The former swimming instructor told SABC Sport that SSA has set a target of winning three to four medals at the Los Angeles Games – but only if they receive the financial backing needed to prepare adequately.

Fritz, a former SASCOC board member, says SSA has great talents, but lacks the facilities and resources to elevate them to world-class standards.

 He appealed for increased government and corporate support to help improve training infrastructure.

"However, in terms of resources and physical infrastructure, we are not in a healthy state. That is why we plead for more funding so that we may continue to produce more outstanding athletes."

Fritz also emphasized the qualifying process, pointing out that only swimmers who meet the world body’s times and standards will be selected.

He says the federation’s priority is quality over quantity, with the ultimate aim of securing medals.