Personal Statement
Personal Statement – June 2024
My name is Nathan, and swimming is my passion. As a highly competitive person, swimming plays a crucial role in my life. I am driven by the desire to win and to prove to myself and others that I have what it takes to succeed. To reach the top level, I believe one must think and adapt differently, learn from every situation, and be willing to do what others are not to gain an edge.
In 2020, I underwent chest surgery for a rare condition called pectus excavatum, which prevented me from swimming for over six months. This setback forced me to start from scratch, significantly affecting my training and competition schedule. My journey back to swimming was challenging, and in 2022, an infection from the steel bars implanted in my chest raised serious concerns about the future of my swimming career.
After completing Grade 12 (Matric) in 2022, I realized I had not focused on swimming as much as I wished. In early 2023, I entered a few swim meets for fun, despite not being in peak condition. Competing again ignited a spark within me, and I became overwhelmingly motivated and determined to elevate my swimming to new heights.
Since then, I have climbed the rankings in my club, province, and country, securing my qualification for the 2024 SA Olympic Trials in April. Through months of intense training in and out of the pool, I achieved significant time improvements:
- 50m Butterfly: -3.84s
- 50m Backstroke: -1.43s
- 50m Breaststroke: -4.61s
- 50m Freestyle: -2.04s
- 100m Freestyle: -2.90s
Beyond my dedication to swimming, I am a friendly person who gets along well with others. I find joy in fostering positive relationships and thrive in team environments. My coaches often commend me for being easy to coach, a fast learner, and a hard worker. These qualities have significantly contributed to my growth and success as a swimmer.
My next big goal is to become a national medalist at the SA Short Course Championship in September and qualify for the World Aquatics SC Championship 2024. I am confident that my mindset and drive will enable me to achieve these goals.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
