GRADE 7 Sarnia Primary pupil, Belinda Henning, achieved accolades in her swimming career, having won the school’s Junior Victrix Ludorum award for two years in a row.
Belinda started swimming in Grade 1 as part of the school programme, and it was only when she was in Grade 4 that she realised that she had an above-average ability in swimming.
She is qualified as a level two/three swimmer, which granted her entrance into last year’s KZN champs in December, including swimmers of all ages, from U8 to open.
Belinda has ambitions of qualifying for the Olympic swimming team in the future.
She is currently training with Candice Crafford’s top squads’ swimming club. Candice Crafford is a former South African Olympic swimmer, and also a triple springbok for swimming, surfing and life saving.
Candice is a Sarnia Primary former pupil as well, and Belinda appreciates her guidance and experience.
Belinda said she also looks up to Chad le Clos and Natalie du Toit, who are role models to base her dreams on. She considers herself a competitive person and draws motivation from lining up next to an opponent, thinking, “There is no way I’m going to let them win.”
Kovin Moodley, Sarnia Primary sports co-ordinator, said Belinda is an incredible girl with much potential.
“She possesses a lot of the values and morals of pupils from Sarnia Primary, and at school she always tries to help wherever possible to assist her schoolmates. Belinda’s motto is, ‘Back yourself, confidence is key in trying to achieve your goals’.”