Jarden Eaton rises above the water and advocates for representation in swimming

JOHANNESBURG – Jarden Eaton enjoyed swimming for leisure at the tender age of 8.

Losing a swimming event at a school gala changed his playtime with other kinds.

He would grow up to become the first Black South African to win the 50m butterfly event at the National Aquatic Champions in April.

The 18-year-old won a gold medal in the 50m butterfly event at a time of 24:18 ahead of Matthew Sates and Guy Brooks.

He also won a bronze medal in the 100m fly and came fifth in the 50m freestyle 5th at the SA National Aquatic Championships 8- 13 April Gqeberha.

“This is a big year for athletes around the world as it is an Olympic year, I am hoping to achieve Olympic.  To qualify for the Olympics because it showcases the greatest of greats.”

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The swimmer who’s been chosen as part of the team taking part in the upcoming Africa Aquatics Championships 30 April - 5 May in Angola emphasises the importance of representation in swimming and hopes to inspire athletes from various backgrounds.

“I’ve noticed in the sport of swimming that there are not many black participants it is my desire to inspire black youth in South Africa to get involved in swimming and to change the status quo.”

The athlete who trains up to 12 times a week has like many athletes fought to make it to the top had to endure tough times, sacrificing “good times” and also overcoming injury but a good support system kept him swimming forward through it all.

“Mental health is one of the most important factors for professional athletes, I have a really good support system. My relationship with God, my coach and my parents keeps me balanced. I distract myself ahead of major events by playing games and speaking to friends and family. Listening to music also helps me deal with the pressure.”

Eaton was part of Swimming South Africa’s team that brought home 46 medals comprising 17 gold, 16 silver and 13 bronze from the African Games, five of which had his name on them.

“I’ve always enjoyed swimming for leisure from a very young age, I was selected to swim for my primary school and I enjoyed the competition and winning, I participated in many sports when I was younger, but swimming stuck with me. At 8 years old I competed in a school gala and was one of the first times feeling the disappointment of losing, I had never lost before and I was devastated, that sparked a flame in me, I joined a swimming club and beat the boy at the very next gala.”

The swimmer has represented South Africa at 6 international swimming tours, won a silver medal at FINA World Junior Championship in 2022, a silver and bronze medal in Ghana at the 2021 Africa Champs, 3 Gold, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze at the 2022 Nationals Championship and 2 Bronze Medals at Commonwealth Youth Games 2023.

Eaton tells Eyewitness News that he hopes to see more development of the sport in disadvantaged communities and support from the media.

“What needs to be done is that there need to be more swimming facilities, developed within black communities with priority being given to swimming programs. Athletes with potential require funding to participate in national and international events, swimming meets and leagues where swimmers can earn for their participation. I would say we need media and corporations to participate so that the people of South Africa can start backing swimming and supporting it.”