The Advertiser chated with Boksburg’s Olympic swimmer Douglas Erasmus about life under the Covid-19 enforced lockdown. Among other topics, the local swimming star talks about what he misses most under the lockdown and his future plans as a swimmer.
Erasmus represented South Africa at the 2015 African Games in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, winning gold medals in the 50m freestyle and the 4×100m freestyle relay. At the 2016 South Africa’s and Olympic trials, Erasmus was the fastest of over 100 competitors in the heats of the 100m freestyle event, setting a new personal best of 49.54 seconds.
In the semifinals, he won his race in a time of 49.85 seconds. He eventually finished third in the final behind Calvyn Justus and Myles Brown. In May 2016, the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee named him as part of the South African team for the 2016 Summer Olympics held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he competed in the men’s 50 metre freestyle event.
He finished 29th in the heats with a time of 22.37 seconds and did not qualify for the semifinals.
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Are you happy and healthy so far in the lockdown?
Yes, but would be lying to you if I said I was not going a little crazy after not being in the water for so long.
What immediate swimming goals has the lockdown interrupted?
That would be Olympic trials, as well as Olympic Games and recently World Short Course Champs has just been postponed till next year.
Which events were you focused on but were cancelled?
I think most of us where ready for SA Champs/Olympic Trials that was meant to happen in the beginning of April, but was called off two weeks before the start.
What have you done during your lockdown time (training/scouting/remote coaching) related to your sport?
I have been doing a series of land work outs, a lot of body weight, endurance type exercises to try keep as strong and fit as I can for the moment, as well as some resisted swimming on my home pool.
What have you done unrelated to your sport – new skills, hobbies – to stay busy?
At the start of lock down, myself and a friend, Ayrton Sweeney, did a live Podcast for the first four weeks, catching up with all the SA swimmers and what they were up to and how they were training during lockdown. Other than that, just a bit of reading and mind focus.
How are you feeling about returning to the sport?
I am super excited to get back in the water. I am looking forward to being and feeling fit again. If everyone takes the precautionary measures when returning, I think we will be okay.
Do you feel positive or negative about the future?
It’s a tough one, because I always believe that a bit of rest will do you well, but I also feel we have lost a lot of racing experience and gains going into the Olympic year next year.
Have you been monitoring what other swimmers have been up to?
Yes, as of mid-May, most of the world’s elite athletes started returning to the pool, which was tough to see as we were not close to that level. I also did keep in touch with others and did see what everyone else was doing to stay fit.
When do you think training will be resumed?
I am really hoping that we can return to the pool in June.How do you think training will be different in future?I think there will be a lot more measures taken to keep us safe, but hopefully will eventually return to normal again.
What positives have come from this time?
I feel being forced out the water really makes you realize how bad you want to be in the sport. That constant desire to get back to training and racing shows how driven you are to swimming.
What impact do you think the postponement will have on overall performances at the Olympics?
This could go either way. There are athletes that will definitely benefit from this, and at the same time, athletes who might struggle to get back to the level where they were, but we have time to sort things out.
What advice do you have for your team/squad mates?
Don’t give up on your goals! Adjust them accordingly and fight even harder to reach them. We are all at a level playing field right now, so use it to your advantage.
First ‘normal’ thing you’re planning on doing once lockdown ends?
Besides from getting in a good swim session, I am craving a good, usually overpriced, coffee and meal out.
Silliest thing you’ve done in lockdown?
I attempted to go for a run. For me, that is just silly.
Favourite entertainment/place/activity you missing the most?
100 per cent missing the gym the most right now.
Swimmer you admire the most?
Those whose Olympic year got turned upside down, and willing to come back stronger for next year’s Olympics.
Funniest moment at a swim event?
Definitely has to be when I won my first nationals title and climbed on the lane rope to celebrate, but fell off before I could.
Superstitions or rituals before a race?
I think maybe just getting some good oxygen in before I race, but not really, no.
First thing your coach will say to you when you see him?
Maybe that it’s good to be back, but if not, definitely hello.
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