LIVING proof that dynamite really does come in small packages is Brighton Beach Senior Primary School (BBSPS) learner, Ashlee Jenkins who not only takes the water as would a majestic mermaid, but excels in everything she puts her mind to.
She has been swimming since she was two years old and fell in love from her very first dive in the pool. “I used to attend Nemo’s Swim Academy. From the moment I was in the water I just wanted to be in the pool all the time,” said the swimmer who is now a part of Seagulls Swimming Club.
The swimming captain for her school, she enjoys swimming competitively and was awarded the Victrix Ludorum. “I really enjoy my school galas. I’ve always aspired to receive the Victrix Ludorum after my older sister received it back when I was still in Grade 4.”
She also made the Durban South Swimming team last year and has been the top swimmer for BBSPS from 2017 to 2019. “I love everything about swimming; the strokes, the water and that you don’t feel as heavy and exhausted compared to other sports. I just love the feeling of the water. My best stroke is freestyle because I think it’s the one I excel at the most,” said the 13-year-old.
She looks up to her dad, Dylan, who has taught her a lot of tricks in the pool and has inspired her to strive to achieve the best possible results with every race. The impact of Covid-19 forced sports clubs and facilities swimming clubs to close down for the lockdown period, putting a halt on Ashlee’s training and goals for the year.
“Our club did keep us motivated and kept in communication with us. I’d also go for runs on Sunday’s on the beach to keep fit. But it hasn’t been easy. I’m sad that schools won’t be participating in sports anytime this year and I miss it a lot because there hasn’t been much to do most days when I get home other than studying. However, I am very happy to be back in the pool after months of being in lockdown. I go swimming every Tuesday and Thursday at Glenwood,” she said.
The Grade 7 learner is also impressively skilled at badminton. Badminton is a racquet sport played using racquets to hit a shuttlecock across a net. Last year she made the U13 KZN badminton team. “I enjoy it a lot but it does involve a lot of running which quite tiring.”
She is the only girl in BBSPS U13 cricket team and is also the vice-captain for the U13 soccer team.
“My mom is definitely my biggest supporter. If you ever attended a gala or any other sporting event of mine, my mom would be the one screaming the loudest. Sometimes she even needs to take lozenges for her throat afterwards. Everyone knows that’s my mom. She is always there to cheer me on and it means a lot,” said Ashlee who hopes to make the KZN swimming team one day.
Her mom, Shamell said she is very proud of her daughter’s dedication and performance in everything that she does. “All her hard work and training from as young as two year’s old has paid off. She has been her school’s best swimmer since she was in Grade 4 for the girl’s side. Although there isn’t any competitions on at the moment, she is looking to do the Midmar Mile next year if possible. She does well in her other sports as well and always does her best. As a family we’re all very proud of all her achievements.”
On her down time Ashlee likes to go surfing, being at the beach and spending time with friends. Quite the all-rounder, Ashlee also has academic honours and her favourite subjects are natural science and art. If she doesn’t take up sport as a profession, she aspires to be an actress when she grows up.
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