Sonal makes a splash at synchro champs
Northlands Girls' High School Grade 11 learner, Sonal Reddi recently competed in the South African Nationals Synchronised Swimming Championships.
SYNCHRONIZED swimming is often described as aquatic ballet; some call it weird and wacky; but it is also really hard. Just ask Northlands Girls’ High School Grade 11 learner, Sonal Reddi. The 17-year-old recently competed in the South African National Synchronised Swimming Championships earlier this month. She went home with a silver medal in the solo and figure events (U18) and a gold medal in the duet event.
“I was extremely proud of my results. I had a goal in mind to finish top in my individual routine, but I’m pleased with the silver. My partner, Julia Torino, was amazing in the duet event and we were both so excited to win gold. Of course my goal is to make the South African team which is travelling to Hungary for the world champs later this year but we just have to wait and see. This year I’ve worked very hard on my routines and trying to be as competitive as I can be. I think the misconception is that it is an easy sport but it’s really not,” she said.
Sonal added her sister, a former South African synchronised swimmer had been a guiding force for her through the competition.
“She was so excited for me. She was someone I looked up to when I entered the sport and she’s always been by my side just encouraging me. Without my parents and my sister I don’t think I would be where I am today. You really have to be dedicated and give a lot of time to the sport and they have always given up their time to make sure I’m able to chase my dream,” she said.
