Caitlin de Lange sets her sights on the Olympic trials after winning seven medals at the African Games
The athlete says her message to young swimmers is what you put in you will get out. Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn't work hard.
South African swimmer Caitlin de Lange. Picture: caitlin.de.lange/Instagram.
JOHANNESBURG – Caitlin de Lange is a fish in water.
The athlete who took part in as many sporting codes as possible but kept being drawn to the water swam back home with seven medals from the African Games.
“I won 4 individual medals (2 gold and 2 silver ) and 3 gold for the relays. The first medal I won gave me the confidence and boost to make me want more, I just wanted to stay in a routine of performing by just putting my head down and keeping that flow. I also try not to focus on racing all the time but have taught myself to switch on when it’s racing time” said De Lange.
Swimming South Africa is one of the sporting codes that has finished competing and floated away with 46 medals comprising 17 gold, 16 silver and 13 bronze.
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“In April we have our senior nationals and Olympic trials, all my focus is on that now, and I’m truly hoping and praying for the best possible outcomes.”
Talking to Eyewitness News the University of Pretoria/TUKS swimmer said it is extremely important to protect one’s mental health as swimmers race their main races 2, sometimes 3 times in a competition and to keep that momentum can be very challenging.
“That is where our mental strength comes in. I am extremely lucky to have a great support system around me, from my coaches, parents, twin brother and sister. They keep me grounded and motivated. Also, my faith plays a big role in my mental health, it gives me great comfort to know that I am protected by the grace of God. “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you” -Psalms 56:3.”
The swimmer set a new game record at the African Games of 28.76s in the 50m backstroke, dominating the 100m freestyle and 50m backstroke and snatching second place in the 50m butterfly.
“There were many favourite moments at the African Games in Ghana, firstly was seeing the amazing pool facilities that were brand new and getting to race in it. Secondly was breaking the games record in the 50m backstroke, but I would say at the top of my list was the SA team spirit. The support from each team member was heartwarming and unbelievable.”
She tells Eyewitness News that one of her favourite career moments was competing in Melbourne for the 2022 World Short Course Swimming Championships.
“Representing SA, and getting to see all the top swimmers in the world break world records in front of you inspired me. At that same competition, I broke the African record for the 50m freestyle, this was my first record.”
The athlete says her message to young swimmers is what you put in you will get out. Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn't work hard.
“The lessons I’ve learned along the way was don’t let one bad race define your gala and you as a swimmer, accept the bad race, learn from it and move on quickly. Discipline is also extremely important and this sport teaches you a lot of discipline.”