Zanre Oberholzer swimming champ has the will to succeed

Zanre Oberholzer is a young swimmer who has numerous swimming records to her name. With a long list of impressive records she still continues to rise and rise.

Zanre has recently been named the Junior Sports Woman of the Year and tells the YouthPaper about her love for swimming and her achievements.

“It was such an achievement to get nominated for Junior Sports Woman of the Year but to receive the award is amazing. It felt like I actually got awarded for the hard work and effort I put into training everyday.

“This would actually not have been possible without my coach, Ryan Skinner, who pushes me to the limits and believes in me so much. All the little speeches before big competitions or even training, means so much to me. My parents also plays a big role in my swimming life by driving me to swimming every day, and in the mornings, six days a week.

“You see, from a young age I have always loved the water. Just to play in it though but later on I realised that I actually have a talent in this sport, which made me become more determined and focused on my goals.I have always loved working hard because of the dreams I have,” she said.

Zanre said she starts eating right two months before a competition and she makes sure that she has enough rest.

“Before a competition I rest early to reserve my energy levels. This means no late nights. Before a race, there is of course all the suiting up into the costumes, but I always have a little stretch, swing my arms around and jump a bit just to get the energy going and then when I stand in front of the block, with my goggles on, I close my eyes and pray. And when I open them, I’m ready. I also prepare myself mentally by seeing the race inside my head and planning how I want it to turn out,” she said.

Zanre also had a few positive words to share with her peers, especially girls.

“Swimming is a really hard sport, especially when you want to perform well, but you have to then be strong and push through and be determined and committed because with hard work you can go beyond your limits. You have to be prepared to sacrifice a lot, meaning that late nights are unacceptable. You have to have the will to succeed,” she said.

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