adminNgqwele Dube Sports Correspondent
FINANCIAL challenges might stand in the way of swimming prospect Wendy Mpofu’s progression in the sport. Mpofu’s talent was highlighted by her exploits at the Matabeleland Swimming Championships that were held last month at Hillside Teachers College where she walked away with two gold medals and a bronze. Wendy’s father, Peter Mpofu believes securing a scholarship to a school that has swimming facilities for the young girl would greatly improve her skills in the sport.
Wendy’s gold came from two relay competitions, the 200m medley relay and freestyle relay while she bagged bronze in the 50m breaststroke event.
The 12-year-old swimmer’s team mates in the relay included Hannah Evans, Cory Werrett and Farhaan May, who swim under Barracudas Swimming Club.
“My fear is that she won’t develop her full potential because of lack of full time training. Although she is a member of Barracudas, she is unable to attend practice as and when required because of financial challenges.
“We reside in North End and she has to travel to Suburbs almost everyday during the week but we cannot afford the transport fares,” said Peter, who is employed as a lifesaver at the North End Swimming Pool.
He said with more training Wendy was likely to have a great future in the sport and could scale to dizzy heights just like the sensational Olympic gold medalist Kirsty Coventry.
Peter started teaching his two daughters, Wendy and Wandile (7) swimming five years ago and although they have mastered the basics of the sport they needed more focused training that would develop their talent.
Wendy was spotted at a Welcome Gala last year and recruited by Barracudas and Wandile has also followed her route after impressing at this year’s Gala, which is an open event meant for swimmers without clubs.
Wandile outclassed most of her peers taking first position in the breaststroke, which Peter said was her strongest event, while she came second in other events.
The girls are pupils at Hugh Beadle Primary School where there is no swimming pool.
“Barracudas coach, Lorna Riley has been doing a great job in developing Wendy and I believe participation in regional and national events has given her more confidence due to the continued interaction she has with other swimmers,” said Peter.
Riley confirmed Wendy needed to attend training more regularly if she was to develop to her full potential adding the youngster was among the many upcoming swimmers who were facing financial challenges.
Peter said he was taught how to swim by his boss, a Soganile. Peter is a full time swimming pool supervisor (life guard).
“I learnt how to swim in the 70s. I swam competitively but my talent went to waste because blacks were hardly noticed before Independence. I missed the chance to excel at the sport but I am glad my daughters have taken swimming after me. It is as though I am reliving my talent through them,” he said.
Bongani Ndlovu