Toti swimming coach claims backstroke champion title

AMANZIMTOTI boasts a new wave-maker in the swimming pool.
Local swimming coach, Marno Langeveldt (23) raked in numerous gold medals at the recent Short Course Nationals Gala in Pietermaritzburg and was named the new SASC 100m backstroke champion of South Africa.

Marno matriculated from Westville Boys High School, lives in Amanzimtoti and is the coach of Titans Swimming Club.

“I started Titans in January and I also coached for Gerhard Zandberg, a retired SA Olympic swimmer for three years when I lived in Pretoria.”
Marno raked in six gold medals and one silver when he swam the South African national short course championships in Pietermaritzburg two weeks ago.

“I didn’t expect the result I got at all,” he admitted. “I have been really busy with my swim school and didn’t get time to train like I usually would. When I entered the event it was for the sole purpose of enjoying the racing. I was shocked when I came first in my 100m backstroke, because the competition was very tough and my fitness level wasn’t up to standard.”

Two years ago Marno won his first national gold.
“I couldn’t sleep that night, I was so happy. Then last year I came fourth in the same event, which was very tough to accept after the training I went through. Winning six golds and a silver this year was amazing. Again, I couldn’t sleep that night and couldn’t wait to get up and go swim and race again the next morning.”

Marno has been swimming for 17 years and says his latest achievement was the best of his career.
“The funny thing is I really didn’t train much for this gala. Swimmers are used to training between 50km and 80km a week. I probably did a few kilometres a week and only got in the pool two weeks prior to the event,” said Marno. “I have been keeping fit with surfing and lifesaving for the past year and went to gym once a week.”

As a rolemodel for those under his tutelage, Marno admits he always remains humble. “I also had rolemodels and I have met many of them. Too often they don’t turn out to be what you expected. I try to always be friendly and have a close bond with all my swimmers.”

 

Looking forward, Marno has started training for the Commonwealth Games’ trials coming up in December, and hopes to compete in a couple of world cup events next year.

“The goal has always been to go to the Olympics,” said Marno. “I hope to go to world championships and have a podium finish in the 50m backstroke.”

Marno advises those who are on the verge of packing their swimming in, to persevere. “I went through a phase, where for five years I couldn’t improve any of my times and it gets to you,” he said. “You have to truly love the sport, love to compete and be strong mentally to push through the hard times.”

He says those who compete in the pool because of pressure from parents alone won’t get you anywhere or bring any contentment.
“You have to possess the passion and enjoyment of racing and swimming,” he said.

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