Norisha – a swimming prodigy of a child
AT TEN, Norisha Reddy from Chatsworth already has big plans of receiving her colours in swimming but only after qualifying for the level.
Born asthmatic, Norisha’s parents Chantal and Norman, decided to enrol her for swimming lessons as the breathing exercises would help with her asthma but little did they know that once she got into the pool, their baby girl would refuse to be taken out.
Now four years later, Norisha is sitting with the title of Swimmer of the Year at her swimming club, as well as being the first swimmer (in her club), to qualify for level two after winning three gold medals, a silver and a bronze. For this achievement she wins the POST/ SuperSport Let’s Play Sports Star for July. She now goes through to the final where a Sports Star of the Year will be chosen in December.
The Dawnridge Primary pupil, who aspires to be a vet, told POST, she doesn’t see the day she will stop swimming.
“I love it and it always makes me feel so nice and so peaceful. I am always telling others to come join me and experience what I am. It also helps with my asthma so it’s a win-win for me I guess,” she giggled.
The lass, who is preparing for the Beevers Swimming Gala, which will be held in the CBD and for the Capital K – a swim race that takes place at Midmar Dam – also participated, for the first time, in the Midmar Mile this year, surprising her family by completing it within 47 minutes.
Norisha told POST, her favourite stroke was the breaststroke. She added that she was grateful to her father as he was her biggest supporter.
“Mom works night shift so dad rushes home from work every day just to take myself and my brother, Yegan, swimming. He is always present at our events, cheering us on.”
Not only does Norisha love swimming but she also loves playing other sports like cricket and tennis, plus dancing.
Her mother, Chantal, described her only daughter as an absolute angel.
“She is so kind and so loving. She will never say the word no or refuse anybody.
“She is always willing to help and will never talk back at anyone. She is also an A pupil,” she said. Chantal adds that the achievements by Norisha are only because of the dedicated coaches she has.
“Raymond and Trevor Moodley have been as investing in Norisha as a parent would with their own child. “We approached them about her asthma when she was six years old and they suggested we bring her for coaching lessons.
“Since then they have grown confidence in her and taught her so much, that she now swims with the older, advanced groups,” she said.
Norisha also represented her school in the CADSA competition, receiving a total of five first place medals.
When she isn’t at school or helping out at home, Norisha can be found practising, or enjoying herself as she puts it, at the swimming pool. During winter the lass trains at the Bayview Swimming Club because there is a heated pool, and the rest of the year, she can be found at the … swimming pool.