When you're focused on a time, it gets further away from you - Kat Swanepoel

Swanepoel broke four SA records and an African record in the 50m Backstroke last month in Gqeberha.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Swanepoel says she always advises young athletes to not focus on chasing the time.

"It's never part of the plans. And it's what I say to a lot of the youngsters in my club that I train at: as soon as you start chasing a time and you're focused on a time, it gets further and further away from you," said Swanepoel

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"My race mindset is more about getting in and trying to see what I need to protect the things I've got control over. So when the records come, they are welcomed, but it's not the aim. The aim for nationals was just to get in, swim, and see where I am."

The Edenvale swimmer was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at age 21 and was consigned to a wheelchair two years later.

She then took up wheelchair rugby then wheelchair basketball representing South Africa in both, after going blind in one eye and losing sensation from her chest down, she started swimming.

The five time World Para Swimming Championships medalist was Team SA’s flag bearer alongside Paralympic medalist Mpumelelo Mhlongo at the 2024 Paralympics.

In 2025, Swanepoel took a career break to focus on her health.

She explains how she is readjusting to competing again.

"So, last year I took off competition; I had to undergo quite intensive medical treatment, so I swam mostly throughout it, but not really up to competition standard. I think my first comeback was in November last year, and it's been building from there."

"Then came nationals last month. That went much better than expected; it was sort of a go-in-and-see-what-happens situation, and that seems to be a good mindset for me."

The paralympian is an Occupational Therapist by profession who works with clients of all ages and disabilities where she specialises in wheelchair sitting and positioning.

She says however she believes she still has a lot of things to achieve in her career.