Durban — Durban’s Kate Swainston-Harrison is set to wave the South African flag high, as she prepares for the World Aquatics Women’s U18 Water Polo Championships in Chengdu, China, between 15-22 September.
Swainston-Harrison is the 1st team water polo co-captain and matric pupil at St Mary’s DSG Kloof. She also serves as a sports mentor.
The teenager said that she was in shock because the team trials didn’t go well. Following the announcement, she immediately shared her happiness at having made the squad with her parents.
“To prepare, I'm currently training as much as I can while balancing school work. I have also increased the intensity of my training, adding more weights and doing more leg tests. I’ll continue to push myself to get fitter and stronger as the tournament gets closer,” Swainston-Harrison said.
She has been playing water polo since the age of 10 and represented SA multiple occasions, including playing for the SA U16 team in 2022.“I feel so proud to represent my country. It's not something many people can do so I consider myself very lucky and I’m so excited to play for the SA team again.”
Swainston-Harrison expects tough competition with some very strong opponents but is still excited and cannot wait to go on tour. She believes her side will push through each game until the last second.
Her coach, Bulelani Mzimela, said Swainston-Harrison’s selection wasn’t a surprise as she consistently demonstrated exceptional skill, dedication, and a strong work ethic, “She has worked tirelessly to improve her game, and her selection is a testament to her hard work and talent. Kate has shown remarkable progress over the years, always going above and beyond in training sessions and during matches.
“Her leadership qualities, ability to remain composed under pressure, and her deep understanding of the game have set her apart as a stand-out player. I have no doubt that she will continue to excel and represent our country with pride on the international stage,” Mzimela said.
Mzimela said that Kate would go through a comprehensive training programme which will include intense physical conditioning, tactical drills, and simulated match scenarios to enhance her game awareness; as well as focus on mental preparation that will ensure she is confident and focused.
“Additionally, I will have regular discussions with Kate about the importance of her nutrition, ensuring she understands how to fuel her body for optimal performance. We will work on refining her techniques and strategies specific to the competition and set realistic performance goals to keep her motivated and on track. By providing holistic support, we aim to ensure Kate is in peak condition both physically and mentally, ready to compete at the highest level.”
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