Jordan has ultimate Olympic goal

GRANTLEIGH School’s Grade 10 pupil Jordan Stevens loves water and since a since a tender age has been making a name for himself as a swimmer.

He currently swims for the Ushaka Swimming Club and has a number of achievements under his belt.

Among these are claiming the Junior Victor Ludorum honours in Grade 5, the Junior Victor Ludorum in Grade 8 (during which he bettered the 200m individual medley record by 30 seconds) and qualified for the SA Level 1 gala in Newcastle where he took five medals.

This year alone Jordan has won the Senior Victor Ludorum title and bettered the 200 individual medley record once again. He was also the Senior Victor Ludorum at the uThungulu inter-high school gala and qualified for the SA Level 2 championships.

He also made the Zululand swimming team and will be participating in the KZN trials in May.

When taking a break from his chlorine diet, Jordan enjoys sailing and is interested in speed boats and airplanes.

In the classroom he enjoys engineering, graphics and design and accounting.

Although Jordan has bagged a great deal of awards, his achievements would not be made possible without hard work and dedication.

‘I train for two hours a day, six days a week, come rain or shine.’

Another contribution has been motivation from both himself and his father. ‘I am always trying to beat my own personal best time each time I race. My dad also motivates me to swim my best as he wants the best for me.

‘He also plays a big role at galas as he helps me relax and strategise before my race.’

Jordan has begun specialising in long distance swimming.

‘I am currently training to qualify for the SA Short Course Championships to be held in August this year. Next year I would like to qualify for SA Level 3 and thereafter the senior nationals.

‘My medium-term goal is to qualify and compete in the SA Level 3 event next year, but my sight is ultimately set on the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.’