OLYMPIC hopeful for 2020, Timothy Sates, will be joining a group of swimmers from the Westville swimming pool to travel to Monaco and Barcelona for the Mare Nostrum gala series in June.
According to Tim, the Mare Nostrum is a gala series in those two countries that boosts competitions in the international opens, in which many Olympians will be participating.
Tim took sixth spot in the 200m freestyle opens in the recent SA Swimming Nationals in Durban, which he believes would have been a win in his age group, which is U17.
He started swimming in Grade 3. His main event is the 200m freestyle, which he has won for two consecutive years in SA. “I love racing in the water. I love the experience and competition and I’m constantly trying to better myself,” said Tim.
He added that, while his short-term goal is to qualify for the junior Olympics, he hopes to fulfil his long term goal, which is to qualify for the SA men’s team and the Olympic Games.
He said thanks have to go to the people who have influenced him in his life: firstly, his swim coach, Petro Nortje, training partner and close friend, Daniel Ronaldson, his parents, his brother, Matthew, and his sponsor, TYR, for the his swim kit and equipment.
Tim also dreams of one day competing alongside his brother, Matthew, who is an aspiring swimmer for Seals Swimming Club in the U11 division.
To compete in the Mare Nostrum gala series Tim needs to raise R25 000 for his trip, which is self-funded. He received a generous donation of a pair of diamond earrings to be raffled at a fundraiser ‘swimathon’ at Westville Boys’ High School on Tuesday, 19 May at 4pm.
People are welcome to sponsor Tim and his friend, Bailey Musgrave, per 25m length while they swim for 20 minutes each. Those interested in sponsoring a length or any kind of donation towards his trip can contact the school on 031 267 1330.
Interesting facts about Tim:
Favourite food: Lasagne.
Favourite sport: Swimming.
Favourite Xbox game: Grand Theft Auto 5.
Favourite cellphone game: Clash of Clans.
